THE FANTAIL PUZZLE AGAIN
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SEVER AL operators of extended tours, with Llandudno as the main destination, had their excursions from that centre curtailed to one trip, in accordance with the fantail ruling, at a sitting of the North-Western Traffic Commissioners, at Manchester, on Monday last.
Mr. Chamberlain, the chairman, was surprised to discover, during recent scrutinies, how many fantail operators had been allowed to creep in. He also pointed out that, as the Llandudno operators had not previously discovered the existence of these cases, they could not have been badly hit.
Mr. Johnson, of CrOsville Motor Services, Ltd., assured him that the day excursions from Llandudno were a declining traffic and stressed the shortness of the seascm during which the local operators had to cover the year's expenses.
Tours from Kilmarnock, Stockporton-Tees and Sheffield were limited in accordance with the new policy, and one claiming exception was reserved for further consideration.
This was a 10-days' tour from Glasgow by David Lawson, Ltd., of Kirkintilloch, which had been run since 1934, giving six nights at Llandudno and three excursions from there.
Mr. T. M. Backhouse, counsel for these applicants, argued that these tours differed from the ordinary fantail and that the difference had been admitted in respect of a similar tour to Bournemouth (in the area where the restriction was first. imposed, on appeal). These tours, he said, were cruises rather than fantails. But for the all-in arrangements made for these tours, he said, none of the passengers would go to Llandudno at all.
For the objectors. it was pointed out that the three trips run from Llandudno for these touring parties were identical with trips run daily by local operators. Mr. Chamberlain said: "It is a question where we must draw the line. Decision will be reserved."