LONG SERVICE TO MOTORISTS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22358, 23 March 1938, Page 7

LONG SERVICE TO MOTORISTS

SIR STENSON COOKE HONOURED

FAMILY OF AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS

Pleasure at finding in New Zealand a family of automobile associations such as existed nowhere else in the Empire was expressed by Sir Stenson Cooke, general secretary of the Automobile Association of Great Britain, in an address at the dinner given in his honour by the Automobile Association (Canterbury) last evening. Tributes were paid to the long and valuable service tp motoring of Sir Stenson Cooke. The Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes presided. The guests included the Mayor (Mr J. W. Beanland), and officials and members of the Canterbury and other associations. The chairman (Mr H. C. Harley), president of the Automobile Association (Canterbury), welcomed Sir Stenson Cooke, who, he said, had been secretary of the Automobile Association of Great Britain for 32 years, and had practically been its founder. Very largely the work the New Zealand associations were doing was patterned on his work in England. *. Dr. S. A. Gibbs, president of the South Island Motor Union, referred to the spirit of co-operation and assistance that existed in the service of the Automobile Association of Great Britain. That service, and the spirit that inspired it, arose from Sir Stenson Cooke.

Gratified with Hospitality

Sir Stenson Cooke said that he felt thoroughly at home in New Zealand. The Dominion could teach Britain lessons in thoughtfulness and hospitality. His greatest pride as the servant of the great Automobile Association was that New Zealand comprised a family of automobile associations, more than any other part of the Empire. He thanked New Zealand motorists and their organisations for the reception given him.

The toast of “The Automobile Association (Auckland)” was proposed by Mr R. Twyneham. In reply, Mr George W. Hutchison, secretary of the Automobile Association (Auckland), said that it was from a study of the methods of Sir Stenson Cooke’s organisation that the Auckland association had been able to dpvise the service it now gave to motorists.

The Automobile Association (Canterbury) was congratulated on its fine club rooms by Mr Hutchison, in proposing the toast of the “Automobile Association (Canterbury).” The asrociation had aimed at giving service, and in doing that had gained membership. Every new service, which at first was questioned on the ground of expense, was later justified by increased membership. Canterbury had initiated the “get you home” service, which had since been adopted by other associations in New Zealand.

In reply, Mr F. W. Johnston said that the Auckland association was three years older than the parent association in England, and the Canterbury association was two years older, He reviewed the history of the Canterbury association and urged that all municipal authorities should give attention to the provision of adequate parking services. Christchurch at present could obtain land for the purpose, but before long the cost would be prohibitive. Mr Harley then presented to Sir Stenson Cooke a pen and stand made from New Zealand native woods. Musical items were provided by Mr Rex Harrison, who sang “The Glory Road,” the prologue to “Pagliacci,” “The Song of the Flea,” and “Waiata Maori.”, Mr Noel Newson was his accompanist.