Ratepayers Oppose Corporation
Page 42
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OBJECTIONS to the renewal of licences by Portsmouth Corporation were heard by the. South-Eastern Traffic Commissioners last Friday. Objectors were Portsmouth Trades Council, represented by Mr. M. D. Pritt, K.C. M.P., and Mr. J, Macoll, and Portsmouth Federation of Ratepayers Associations, represented by Mr. G. P. Stent.
" Objections were based on the proposal to raise fares, and were a sequel to a town's meeting and a campaign by the trades and ratepayers' interests.
Sir Henry Piggott, chairman of the Commissioners, after hearing counsel, said that the issue on which the Commissioners had to give their decision was whether, in the circumstances, the proposed fares were reasonable. The corporation was to be congratulated on the results of its efforts to put its house in order. The loss of £10,500 in 1934-35 had been converted into a profit of £5,600 for 1935-96, without increasing fares.
The recent award would involve additional expenditure on wages of £5,300 per annum, also loan charges in respect of trolleybuses would increase from £6,850 to nearly £24,000 per annum. Total loan charges would be increased from £57,000 to over £84,000 for 1936-27.
The Commissioners decided that the transport undertaking must 'be considered as a separate undertaking and should pay its way. Public opinion was not yet educated to regard transport undertakings as public-utility services. The rates, equal to about 0.9 mile for Id., were approved.