Private hire operator seeks Continental tours
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• A Yorkshire private hire coach operator applying to run Continental tours had made out a prima facie case. There was an embryonic need although the evidence was weak, said Mr. H. E. Robson, chairman, Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, in Leeds last week. Hirst Coaches of Holmforth sought a new excursion and tours licence to run all the year round through Immingham and from March 1 to October 31 through Hull from Holmfirth with picking-up points in Honley and Meltham. There were four objectors.
Mr. G. B. Hirst, proprietor of the applicant company, said he wanted to be able to advertise and provide a conveniently timed service for residents in his area. In order to join existing tours or their feeder services, people had to get up at 5 or 6 a.m., have at least half-a-day's travelling or an overnight stay. His service would depart at lunchtime and have only a 34-hour road journey. The same coach would be used throughout the tour.
Objecting for Wallace Arnold Tours Ltd., Mr. J. E. Hanson referred to a booklet of suggested outings distributed by Hirst. Mr. Hirst agreed that he had no licence to run exursions but said the booklet was to assist private party organizers. He said he would operate wherever the public wished on the Continent. Mr. Hanson pointed out that such a grant would allow Hirst to operate about 1,000 vehicle departures annually. "Do you think there is a demand from the Holmfirth area with a population of 23,000 for 1,000 Continental tours?" he asked.
Mr. Hirst said his firm had carried an average of 22 people yearly to the Continent in privately-hired minibuses.
Wallace Arnold licensing officer, Mr. W. J. King, said 1968 had been the worst-ever year for Continental tour operators. In 1966, 1,556 had travelled with his firm from Huddersfield and only 806 had booked this year. Wallace Arnold was also applying for a licence via Hull, to serve Holland and the Rhine valley.
The hearing was adjourned.