MOTORING.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18430, 10 July 1925, Page 6

MOTORING.

| MOTOR UNION. ! MEETING OF COUNCIL. The Council of the . South Island Motor Union met last night, Mr J. S. Hawkes presiding. A letter was received from the Nelson Automobile Association with reference to the Lights on Vehicles Act, drawing attention to defects in the Act, and stating that there was apparently 110 option even if the local body concerned might consent, and might oven pass a by-law permitting cars to be in such,a- place without lights. It was decided to write the Minister of Internal Affairs supporting the Nelson body in its complaint. The Hon. Sir C. -T. Parr, Minister of Justice, wrote stating that the Union's letter, urging that in cases of people taking motor-cars for joy-riding parposes, imprisonment, and not lines, be imposed, had been noted and would receive careful consideration.

A discussion.took place on the question of insurance, and a motion was carried in effect that steps be taken to get in touch with a reputable company, with a view to ascertaining what arrangements could be made in this respect. It. was also decided to write' to the Australian E.A.C. for information en the subject. The chairman of the Main Highways Board wrote with reference to the question of standardisation of road signs, stating that the matter had been discussed by the Board at a recent meeting. "Automobile Associations in the south," stated the letter, "appear to have gained the impression that the sign ' which the Board has suggested be adopted is to be utilised at railway crossings oniy. No doubt this impression has. been gained by reason of the fact that in the Board's circular the words 'railway crossing' appear. This, however, is not the case, as.itwas lhe Board's intention that such signs'be utilised generally. It is understood, however,.that the Internal Affairs Department is dealing with this matter under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1924, and it is suggested, therefore, that no further action be taken in the meantime. The letter was received.

Mr George Craig, Comptroller' oi : Customs, wrote in,respect of. the question of tourists' cars entering the Dominion, the. owners being relieved of paying duty on them provided the motor unions of the Dominion entered into a bond of £IOOO with tho Department. He stated that in the event of such a car being completely destroyed by firo while ■ in New Zealand, no. claim for duty would bo made thereon, provided that the Department was satisfied as to the fact. If- a car were damaged by accident while in New Zealand and not subsequently exported, duty would be accepted on the basis of the estimated value of the car in its damaged condition, but it would be necessary in any such ease that the Department's officers should be afforded an opportunity of examining the car in its damaged condition and before any repairs had taken place. It was desired to know if arrangements concerning the bond of £IOOO required by the Department should be completed. Mr Minson: It is clear that_ the Government recognise that this is for tho benefit of the Government and the country, and not tho Automobile Associations. The secretary (Mr P. R. Barman) reported that lie had written to Australian motor organisations, with a viow to getting a reciprocal agreement- entered into in respect of !7ew Zealand touring motorists entering Australia. The chairman said that Mr "VV. H. Nicholson on his recent visit to Australia, had taken up the matter with the automobile organisations, which w'ero favourable to reciprocity. «e suggested that arrangements ho roaue to complete tho bond. . This course was agreed to and it was decided to thank the Minister for meeting the Union as he had done. The date of the quarterly meetino; afc Timaru was fixed for August 28th.