SOUTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17808, 6 July 1923, Page 5

SOUTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION.

LAST NIGHT'S MEETING. The executive of the South Island Motor Union met last evening, when there were present Messrs J. S. Hawkes (president), \V. M. Orbell, F. W. Johnston. 11. C. Harley, W. G. Tonks, and "W. L. Minson. The matter of urging the Government to provide greater facilities for touring motorists from abroad in obtaining the Customs rebate on their cars was again brought before the executive of the S.I.M.U. last night by a letter from Southland. The secretary (Mr P. It. Ilarman) said that the matter had been brought before the Minister, and it was just a matter of getting the Government to "speed Up" in providing the facilities requested. Mr \V. L. Minson said that lie did not sec how the question came within the province of the Union, as it only affected motorists from abroad. The president said that the Union wished to provide the facilities for foreign tourists that it would like its own members to receive as motorists in other lands. Mr F. W. Johnston said he thought Mr Minson took a narrow view of the question. The Union was there to improve conditions for motorists generally, and if they could make the stay of visiting motorists more pleasant in any way, it was their duty to do so. He moved that the Government be urged to rebate duty oil tourists' cars immediately upon their departure from the Dominion. The motion was carried.

A telegram was received by thf- executive of the S.I.M.U. last evening from tho Hon. \V. jDownic Stewart suggesting that the Union should send delegates to Wellington to discuss the tyro tax question. The secretary reported that Mr Wynyard had suggested that four motorists from each Island should meet in Wellington about August Bth to interview the Minister. Messrs Hawkes and Johnston were appointed delegates to tho conference, and it was agreed to ask Otago to appoint tho other two delegates.

Under the constitution of the South Island Motor Union, the executive consists of seven members. . When the Union was first formed there were fewer than seven clubs affiliated with the Union, and each club was allowed to nominate, a Christchurch man as itsi representative on the executive. During the last two years the Union has grown to such an extent that it tons eleven affiliated organisations. The members of the executive are no longer appointed as the nominees of the various clubs, but as the managers of the business of the Union, irrespective of parochial interests. The was discussed at the annual meeting of theUnion, and the principle upon which the appointment of the executive is now based was approved. Since then the Southland Association has written suggesting that each affiliated body should be granted representation on the executive. This letter was discussed at last night's meeting of the executive, and it was agreed to replv stating that the change proposed ooufd not be brought about without an alteration tr> the constitution, and drawing attention to the rule which required such a subject to bo decided by an annual or special meeting. The "colour-route" scheme, which the Southland Association asked the executive to consider for adoption throughout the South Isln.nd, has received attention from a special subcommittee, which last night reported to the executive. It was suggested by the sub-committee that, instead of painting bands on p-des, a metal band, painted' the approved colours, should be used. Samples of the metal bands were submitted to the executive, and details of the scheme were discussed at length. It was decided to inform the Southland Association that the sub-committee was experimenting, in an endeavour to arrive at a uniform scheme and obtain the most durable material possible. It was further agreed to forward to Southland specimens of the bands at present under consideration, and inform that body that a comprehensive reoort on the subject would be submitted 7 to the quarterly general meeting of the Union, to be held in Waimate the last week in August.