S.I.M.U.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18242, 28 November 1924, Page 4

S.I.M.U.

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly general meeting of the South Island Motor Union was held yesterday at the C.A.A. rooms. Present: Messrs J. S. Hawkes (president). F. W. Johnston, A. D. Dobson, V. H. Nicholson, H. C. Harlcy, VT. P. Carry, K. W. Lochhead (Canterbury Automobile Association), I*. Menzies, "\\\ G. Tonks, E. 11. Parker, "W. L. Minson (Pioneer Sports Club). E. R. Guinness, E. A. Scott, Dr. C. A. Paterson (South Canterbury Automobile Association), J. L. Passmorc (Otago Motor Club), (North Otago Motor Club), I/. Chajtor (Marlborough Automobile Association).

The chairman said that. the jncmbership campaign had had excellent results, a total of approximately 700 new members being enrolled in the South Island. The Otago Club had reported that 218 new members had since last meeting; Southland, 62; Nelson, 14, with another 50 in view; South Canterbury, 51; North Otago, 700; Canterbury, 163; Pioneer Motor-Cycle Club, 00. Tho chairman briefly reviewed the negotiations which had taken place with the North Island Union, and the basis of agreement arrived at between the two Unions. On the motion of Mr Johnston, it was agreed to extend felicitations to the North Island Union, and express the hope that the arrangement between tho two Unions would result in great benefit to motorists throughout New Zealand.

Official Garages. Mr Guinness moved the South Canterbury Association's remit that official garages be appointed by the Union. The mover stated that his Association, was of opinion that the appointment of such garages would bo of value to members when on tour. The motion was seconded.

Mr Carey (Canterbury) asked what system was to be adopted in selecting the official garages. It would bo a comparatively easy matter to select garages in small towns, but there would be a difficulty in the cities. Dr. Paterson and Mr Scott (South Canterbury) supported tho motion. It was explained that all garages in tho Motor Traders' Association would bo put on the official list immediately, and outside garages by application. Only when complaints had been made and sustained would a garage be struck off the list.

Mr Malcolm (North Otago) said that he had been instructed to oppose tho remit. It was thought in Oarsaru that tho Associations would be expected to select garages. Mr Harlcy (Canterbury) said that he thought that the adoption of the remit would embroil them in a great deal of trouble.

The chairman said that he was afraid that members would expect to obtain a concession from garages as they received from hotels. Mr Johnston (Canterbury) said that he was in favour of the remit to a cer* tain extent, but he thought they should enter into a working agreement with, the Motor Traders' Association and also publish a list of car agencies in each town, in order that a touring motorist in a strange town might know where to find the agent for his make of car. Mr Passmore (Otago) said that hia club could not sco any good in the remit.

After further discussion, Mr Guinness agreed to alter his motidfi to the effect that tho matter should be referred to the Motor Traders' Association in the hope that some arrangement of mutual benefit to both bodies should be evolved. Tho motion was carried.

Other Remits. Chaytor moved a MirlbOrough remit! recommending tho issuing of a membership ticket in the form of • a booklet containing certificate of membership, list of Motor Associations, and a list of official hotels The remit was seconded by Dr* Paterson pro. forma, and after discussion it •was lost.

The Southland Association wrote asking fOr an expression of opinion regarding a proposal that the Union should ask dealers for a debate on tyfes to members.

It was agreed that the present competition in tyres was so keen that such a measure as the one suggested was unnecessary. Invercargill was decided upon as the placo for the next quarterly toccting.

It is noticeable that some of tho English and Continental car manufacturers are now fitting disc wheels with provision made for the tube valve to project on a slant away from the rim, the idea being to give easier attachment of the inflater connexion when pumping up tyres. This idea may bo all right on English and European highwaj'S, but on New Zealand rutted roads and bush tracks there would be a grave risk of the skewed valve stem striking ol>structions, such as stones, sides of ruts, stumps, etc., thereby causing serious damage to the valve stem. As regards this new practice it is Bafcr to leave tho valve stem straight, as has been the custom since the 'inception, of the Dunlop pneumatic,*a position in which it is extremely rare tor it to come in contact with any road projection.