MOTOR DRIVING LICENCES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22431, 18 June 1938, Page 22

MOTOR DRIVING LICENCES

SUGGESTED ISSUE BY POST OFFICE DISCUSSION BY MOTOR UNION [THE PRESS Special Service.] OAMARU, June 17. Approval of the issue of motor drivers’ licences by the postal authorities was given by the special quarterly meeting of the South Island Motor Union to-day, on the recommendation of the executive of the union. The decision followed consideration of a letter from the Commissioner of Transport (Mr G. Laurenson) about the removal of the issue of drivers’ licences from local authorities to Post Offices. The chairman, Dr. Gibbs (Nelson) said that the loss of revenue to local authorities would mean that ratepayers and motorists would have to pay increased rates. It was only another form of increased taxation on motorists. He felt it was a distinct hardship on motorists and the proposed change would not be as convenient as at present. Mr J. S. Hawkes (Canterbury) said that there had been 311 accidents with drivers without licences and that was a very serious aspect. The idea was that everyone registering a car would get his licence when he obtained his number plates. Drivers without licences were fined ridiculous amounts such as 5s and costs by Magistrates, and unless the question was dealt with they were going to have an increase in the number of people driving without licences. Mr C. S, Morris (Canterbury) said in his borough there were 100 cars and 300'drivers’ licences, so that that did away with Mr Hawkes’s argument. It was almost a “steal” from the small boroughs. Mr C. J. Talbot (Main Highways Board) supported Mr Hawkes, saying that the Minister and the Road Safety Council were greatly concerned. The test had to be passed. Licence fees had gone to local authorities and in many cases local authorities had not contributed one penny towards traffic control now that the Main Highways Board had taken over control of main highways, and this was a form of revenue. It would mean an increase in the number of traffic inspectors and inspectors made for safety. This was needed with increased traffic. Mr Talbot was supported by Mr A. Grayson (North Island Motor Union) and the South Canterbury delegates, on the ground of “safety first.”

Mr W. A. Sutherland (Wellington) supported the recommendation stating that it would mean tightening the test for drivers, the issue of licences and the enforcement of traffic regulations.

Mr D J. Wesney (Southland) said that motorists owed a good deal to the Minister for Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) and the Safety Council for their work, and any suggestion from them should be supported. The recommendation of the executive was approved with only one or two dissentients.