YEAR OF SURPRISES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 239, 9 October 1930, Page 10

YEAR OF SURPRISES.

MOTORISTS IN AUCKLAND.

MAIN HIGHWAYS SUBSIDY,

RESPONSIBILITY OF BOARD.

"The most serious matter in a year; full of surprises for motorists, and especially for automobile associations, is the fact that the Government has withdrawn from the Main Highways Board the subsidy of -£235,000," said Mr. A. Grayson, president of the Auckland Automobile Association at the 27th annual meeting last evening. "The withdrawal of the subsidy has placed on the board the responsibility of providing a sub-, sidy on rates collected by local bodies." Mr. Grayson said the subsidy was previously paid by the Consolidated Fund, but had now been made a liability on the board on account of the increased petrol tax." Before the Highways Board -was formed, the Government was spending annually £200,000 on construction and £35,000 on the maintenance of roads which were later taken over by the board. Since that time the mileage to be maintained had increased considerably, but the subsidy had remained stationary until last year, when it had been withdrawn. "The withdrawal of the Government subsidy places the upkeep of the highways on the motorists to too large an extent," said Mr. Grayson." "The counties contribute a little, but the burden has fallen on the motorists, and they arevnot the only users of the roads. A deputation from automobile associations waited on the Prime Minister, but nevertheless, there was an increase of 2d a gallon in the petrol tax and the withdrawal of the subsidy. It is intended however, to tarry on the fight and some redress is-hoped for." Satisfactory Finances. Commenting on the annual report, Mr. Grayson said that during the past year, 4850. new members had been enrolled, the net increase in membership after allowing for resignations and - deletions being 3308, which was a remarkable total considering the state of affairs generally. The finances of the association were very satisfactory, there being over £8000 in the accumulated fund, mostly invested in good securities. During the year subscriptions came in very satisfactorily, the percentage of unpaid subscriptions being considerably Jess than last year. Forty-one agencies of the association were "now established throughout the Auckland province.; It had been agreed to station a patrol in any district 'where there was a membership of. 1000 or more. "Steady progress has been made in improving roads, both north and south of Auckland," said Mr. Grayson. "The highway to the north is progressing very rapidly, and although there is stlil a gap, it is hoped that there will be an allmetal road to the north by the end of the coming summer. On the southern highway progress has been somewhat slow on account of the Franklin .County Council, which did not seein to be able to sec' eye to eye with the Main Highways Board. Apart from this, progress has been very steady, and the next few years should see a wonderful improvement in the main southern highway." Mr. Grayson said he was pleased to note that some definite agreement among the authorities ■concerned had been reached in connection with the bridge over the Whau Creek, and also the bridge across tho Tamaki River. Mr. Grayson paid a tribute to the work of Mr. M. H. Wynwarc, motorists' representative on the Main Highways Board. A motor camp would be established at Russell this summer, said Mr. Grayson. An influx of motorists was expected, and the camp was being prepared so that it would be ready for the coming season's touring..

All DayrParking,

When the City Council announced its scheme for the' prohibition of all day parking in certain congested streets in the city, Mr. Grayson said, a deputation from the A.A.A. and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce waited on the council and discussed the matter. The association representatives, while recognising that it was their duty to act in the best interests of motorists, felt that there were other interests to be considered, and that it would be a general improvement if all day parking was to be forbiddden in certain streets. As a result of the deputation, it was decided to ppriuit p'arlcing for 20, minutes instead of 10 minutes, it\ city streets, except ? Queen .Street, where tjie jlOmin limit would still, prevail; It was hoped that association tiijenibers wqujd use this increased time with due consideration for others, and would..move their .cars.away as soon as they had finished their business. ,If the by-law ; was given a: fair chance, Mr. Grayson.thought-the business people would welcome it, and; that, it would Jbc for the better government of the- city. Officers were elected as follows: —President, Mr. A. Grayson; vice-presidents, Messrs. F. G. Farrcll, J. B. King and M. 11. Wynyard; five members of the council, Messrs. H. Butcher, H. Curd, J. Roberts, H. C. Jones, and A. Dignan.