RAIL TRANSPORT SLOW, BUT NOT "UNSUITABLE."
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The fact that speedier delivery is effected by road than by rail is not, in itself, proof that railway facilities are unsuitable. This statement is made by the Western Licensing Authority in his reasons for the refusal of the application of W. H. Hawker, Ltd., Bristol, for seven additional vehicles, weighing 20 tons unladen.
The Authority states that the company's services have not changed, the only variation of circumstances being caused by new business from C. and T. Harris, Ltd. The Harris company required W. H. Hawker, Ltd., to carry bacon, lard, dripping, preserves and offal, and transport for this customer commenced on July 8, 1935. The customer found that road transport was definitely superior to rail haulage, The Authority decided that the application could not be justified on the tonnage carried, or the receipts per ton of unladen weight authorized, or on the amount paid for hiring, when that figure was considered in relation to other statistics and circumstances.
Tyne Toll Bridge to be Freed.
Wylam Bridge, one of the toll bridges over the River Tyne, is to become public property. The Minister of Transport has given an undertaking to Northumberland County Council that, if the question of the purchase price were referred to an 'official arbitrator under the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919, without recourse to compulsory powers. he would make a grant of 50 per cent. towards the compensation.
The bridge company intimated its willingness to sell the bridge at a price to be fixed by an official arbitrator, on a voluntary reference.