DRIVING LICENCES

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27369, 7 June 1954, Page 2

DRIVING LICENCES

Sit;— Why should residents of Rakaia and Methven districts suddenly have to go to Ashburton to obtain or renew driving licences? Many drivers never visit Ashburton, and to make a trip of 40 to 50 miles for a 5s (or 255) licence, is an added expense and great waste of time. Firms and farmers who employ drivers now have not only to pay the licence fee, but also for petrol, wages, and incidental expenses for this ridiculous journey. About 1200 licences are involved in this scheme; and the Ashburton county councillors show shocking lack of consideration for persons who do not care to waste time or money tripping to town.—Yours, etc., EFFICIENCY. Rakaia, June 2, 1954. [“To facilitate the issue of motor drivers’ licences, the Ashburton County Council has decided to permit the issue of these licences by post,” said the Chairman of the Ashburton County Council (Mr J. Davidson) when this letter was referred to him. “This service will be available only to holders of current Ashburton county licences, who may renew their licences for a period of one to five years. Those drivers who have to produce medical certificates or have retests annually may also renew their licences by post when these formalities have been completed. When renewing by post the licensee has to forward to the county office his, or her, current licence together with the fee payable and stamped, addressed envelope for reply. The change was not made without due consideration.”]