And All Because of Half a Crown . . .
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L'OR many years two Somerset coach 1 operators shared business between them, carrying miners to local pits. Then came the closure of one of the major collieries, and last week the two operators faced each other in the traffic court—one seeking a licence to carry the displaced miners to a new pit, and the other opposing him. And all because of half a crown.
Mr. A. W. Carter, High Littleton, had offered to take former Pensford Colliery men to the new Norton Hill Colliery for £4 15s. per five-day week, plus O. 10s. for Saturday mornings plus 5 per cent. Mr. P. .1. Riggs, Clinton, Bristol, offered the same terms, except that his weekly quotation was £4 17s. 6d.
Mr. Carter was awarded the contract by the National Coal Board, and he asked the Western Traffic Commissioners last week for an express licence to carry miners from Marksbury. On his behalf. Mr. I. A_ Cox, said both operators had approached the N.C.B.. but because they could not reach agreement it was agreed that they should tender.
M1'. T. D. Corpe, for Mr. Riggs. wondered if it was right for a man who had served the N.C.B. well for a number of years to be treated in such a way. Relied Mr. D. G. Cottle, N.C.B. transTinrt manager at Radstock: " Officials cannot afford to be sentimental." The Board, who supported the application, proposed to subsidize the suggested service, although the men would pay fares.
Mr. S. W. Nelson, chairman, said operators should be paid so that they did not have to struggle for the last halfpenny. In this case there was only 2s. 6d. between the men's tenders, so Mr_ Carter would be granted a short-term licence for one month to enable agreement to be reached, or to give Mr. Riggs time to make his own application for the service.