FARE PROFITS PUZZLE COMMISSIONERS
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BEFORE the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioners, last week. Geo. Ewer and Co., Ltd.. applied for a road-service licence to operate a maximum of 20 coaches on the occasion of the annual outings of the Shoreditch Liberal Association to Southend, Clacton and Margate.
The operation was essentially a private-hire contract, but as, unfortunately, the Liberal Association had circularized its members, advertising the outing at separate fares (including tea), the company had perforce to apply for a road-service licence. The application was strenuously opposed by the East Rent Road Car Co., Ltd., on the Margate application, by the Eastern National Omnibus Co., Ltd., on the Clacton and Southend' applications, and by the railway companies on all three_ The objectors made special reference to the separate fares (including tea) which were charged to members in the circular issued by the Liberal Association. These, compared with the cost per head of Geo. Ewer and Co., Ltd.'s, charge, and allowing a generous 2s. 6d. per head for high tea, showed an appreciable profit. The nature of this profit intrigued the Commissioners, who adjourned the case until April 28 for the production of evidence.