Two Years to Hear Claims?
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ALTHOUGH the London Passenger Transport Arbitration Tribunal has been sitting for some time, the hcarin'g of only three claims—those of Thomas Tilling, Ltd., Renown Traction Co., Ltd., and the Ryan Transport Co.—has been completed. At present, consideration of the claim of Birch Brothers, Ltd., is in progress, and the hearing has been adjourned until May 30. There are some 50 cases to be dealt with, and it is feared that they will not be, concluded for about two years. Those concerned are consequently becoming disgruntled.
The hearing of the Birch claim for R367,103 compensation from London Transport was continued last week, when Mr. R. W. Birch, the assistant managing director, criticized the method of operation on two of the Board's routes, which, he thought, were not being worked to the best advantage.
Mr. Arthur Collins, an accountant, gave evidence on behalf of Birch Brothers, Ltd., and argued that the profits of independent bus concerns were maintainable and that oil-engined buses would • still be cheaper to run than petrol-engined vehicles„ despite the proposed increase in taxation on oil fuel.
Mr. J. E. Percival, C.A., the company's auditor, expressed the view that Birch Brothers, Ltd., would not be able to find an investment that would afford the same security as its own business. He stated that 80 per cent. of the sum of £100,000 paid on account by the Board had been reinvested.