Untitled

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17814, 13 July 1923, Page 7

(BY "ROADSTER.")

certain standard, and no part of New Zealand should be prejudiced for the reason that some locality in New Zetland thought it was entitled to a better standard than the other. The scheme was national, not insular, IDits character. The Board was composed of good men, who were competent to make the original plans to decide how the allocation was to be made, and to decide the standard of tin; roads. As to the question of .South versus North representation, all the Government nominees were South Island men. Mr Furkert was a West Coast man, and had been a long time in the South. Mr Murray was a Duncdni man, and Mr Godfrey was a Timaru man. Scarcely anyone in New Zealand who knew these gentlemen would complain of their not having knowledge of the South Island. As to County Council selection, that had been amended by the Legislative Council. There were differences of opinion as to the motor unions' nominee. Of the men nominated, Mr "Wynyard stood out because of his extensive knowledge of the subject. Even the South Island men agreed that he had special knowledge, and he had travelled abroad. Mr Isitt: Mr Hawkes also is a good man. Mr Coates admitted that he was, but said that Mr Wynyard had greater experience. Mr Hawkes himself would Admit that. He did not take the view that either Island should have special consideration. It was a question of getting the best men to give them guidance as to what roads should become main roads, and to decentralise as far as possible, and get a standard of road sufficient to carry the traffic He suggested that they give the Board a trial. There could be no harm in doing that. He had every confidence that when these men moved about the South Island, in view of the fact also that there was no political control of any sort, they would be received iu a very different mind from what had been suggested. He would say to them give the Board an opportunity, and let us have their reports and proposals. A member of the deputation: You have control of the purse. Mr Coates: In no way have we control of the purse. That is laid down by the Act. Mr Massey said he hoped the South Island members would get rid of the) idea that seemed to be in their minds that either the Board or the Government would do them out of their fair share of expenditure in so far as the improvement of the roads was concerned or in any other way. Every district would get its fair share of the expenditure in proportion to the requirements. The whole thing was an! experiment, and he thought it should bo given a fair trial. If it did not work, or if anomalies or- defects were discovered, they could ask Parliament to remedy them later on. A commencement must be made Everyone knew the necessity there was for improving the roads. The roads to-day were worse than he had ever seen; them, and that was because of the very bad winter and the excessive 1 motor traffic, and especially on account C-f the heavy motor lorry traffic. The heavy motor lorries were bound to cut up the roads, which were not intended for anything of that sort. He hoped they would all pull together, and agree to what was necessary. "I have to thank von for receiving the deputation," remarked Mr Sidey at the conclusion of the proceedings, "but I wish you bad given us a more sympathetic hearing." (Laughter.)

PIONEER MOTOR CYCLE CLUB.

/ FIFTH. ANNUAL REPORT. In its fifth annual report to be presented at the annual meeting on Saturday, July 21st, the Pioneer Motor Cycle Club states:-^ Bad weather during the year very materially affected the carrying out of the sports programme mapped out for the year. After one postponement owing to the weather, the opening run was as usual held at Waihora Park, Motukarara, on October loth, and was very largely attended by members and their friends. A further run was held in January to Selwyn Huts. This also proved to be very popular amongst members and their friends, and a most enjoyable day was spent. Several postponements were necessary owing to weather, and part of the programme had to be dropped on that account, races being held on the following dates:—October 14th (3 events), November 25th (1 event), February 10th and 24th (2 events), March 24th (2 events), April 7th (4 events), May 22nd (5 events). All events were most keenly contested, and some exceedingly good times were put up by competitors. A reliability social 'run fras held during January, round the Port Hills. A large entry was received, and all put up good performances. An adjournment during the run was made at the "Sign of the Kiwi" for refreshments, and, altogether the run was a most enjoyable outing. A severe two days' reliability trial was held in June over a most difficult course over Banks Peninsula. The roads were in such bad condition owing to tli© recent floods that after the first day nearly half the competitors had -dropped out. It was to have been a three days' trial, but on the morning of the third day the weather conditions were so bad that it was considered unsafe to proceed further, an.l it was decided to judge the result on the two days. Those who finished put up meritorious performances, and this event will long be remembered by those who took part. The petrol test event also had to be postponed owing to weather conditions, but when held proved a very interesting event, an exceptionally good performance being registered by the winners. A fast bill climb was held on January 27th. at Cashmere Estate, by courtesy of Mr A. Cracroft-Wilson. The course ran straight up the side of an untracked hill. It proved to be a very' spectacular event, and provided keen and very exciting sport for competitors and onlookers alike. A very large number of prizes were given during the year, Mr G. Lambert being easily the most successful competitor, scoring 33J points for that most coveted trophy, the Bonnington Cup. having been runner-up for the previous two years. Mr Lambert also wins the Big Tree Cup. Other good winners are Messrs L. C. Monkman 18, H. 1). Singleton 17, Henderson 15, nnd YA . Tlieile 12 points, with a number of others well up the list, The value of prizes won 'during the year U '"^_ £lSo :ts "Sainst £9l 6s Ir.st vear. Srro'-cs were made during the "year d i x-"'* v?p rf t,le Canterbury Park Trotting Club's course, Sockbuni. to hold a race meeting, but without success. We are now pleased to report- that permission has been obtained to hold a meeting on Labour Uny. fho committed wishes to make mention of the rood work being done 17 t x , e x \ of mof-nrists bv the South Island (X.Z.) Motor Union.