Authority Hears of Rate-cutting
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A LLEGATIONS of rate-cutting and the
" hawking " of a redundant A licence were made at Glasgow on Tuesday when the executors of the late John MacBride, Greenock, applied to operate a 2i-ton vehicle on a new A licence.
Mr. John Smith, a Greenock petrol station and garage owner, told the Scottish Licensing Authority, Mr. W. F. Quin, that he had managed the business since August with a view to purchasing it if the licence were granted.
Questioned by Mr. A. MacKenzie for Mr. W. J. Murphy, Greenock, he agreed that the business was advertised for sale in a local paper in April. He was not aware that a number of people had been approached to buy but would not do so because there was no goodwill He knew the vehicle had stood idle from January until August. Ninety per cent, of the present work was to and from a furniture saleroom in Greenock.
After evidence of the work done since August, Mr. Quin said he was satisfied there was a business to transfer and the objectors must prove their case. Mr. Smith must understand that, even if a. licence were granted, there was no guarantee that a take-over would be approved if the customers were now
different. .
Wanted Work Back
Mr. Murphy said that formerly he did practically all the saleroom work. Mr. MacBride's vehicle had visited the saleroom occasionally but since Mr. Smith had operated it a great deal of this work was being done. When he protested he was told he must cut his rates if he wanted the work back. One of his vehicles would have to be taken off the road if the obstruction continued.
Mr. McKenzie submitted that the saleroom owner had given evidence twice recently in support of other applicants and obviously wanted transport waiting. Mr. MacBride's business had been managed since August by a prospective purchaser after a price of £600 had been agreed when there was really no goodwill.
Granting the application Mr. Quin said evidence was thin but keen competition did not justify the refusal of a licence to carry on an existing business.
VENTURE IN DISPUTE OVER BUS STATION
ADISPUTE over payment for excursion buses using Consett bus station has arisen between the council and the Venture Transport Co. (Newcastle), Ltd. The council want to charge for all excursion vehicles, whilst Venture claimthat some ofthe buses are incorporated with normal services, so their toll has already been paid.
Venture are among a group of companies in conflict with the council over rates for using the station. They have alleged that it is being run extravagantly, but the council have rejected a suggestion that the operators should run it themselves. An inquiry may be held.