First National A.A. Conference Planned

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30829, 14 August 1965, Page 16

First National A.A. Conference Planned

The New Zealand Automobile Association to be formed in Christchurch next month, will have a membership of about 417,000 in affiliated automobile associations. About 150 visitors, including wives, will gather for the occasion. The Governor-General (Sir Bernard Fergusson) will address the inaugural conference. the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) may attend, and the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine), the Commissioner of Transport, two leaders of the Automobile Association (Australia) and others from kindred bodies in New Zealand will also be present. Russley Lodge will be used for the conference and this hotel and Shirley Lodge are booked to accommodate visitors. A shuttle service of buses will be run each day. The South Island Motor Union announced these arrangements yesterday. Christchurch was chosen as the venue by mutual consent and likewise Mr H. W. Dowling, of Napier, is the only' nomination for president of the new body. There is competition for the two vice-presidencies, nominees being Messrs C. H. Harvey (Invercargill), J. B. Horrocks (Auckland). W. R. Martyn (Nelson), T. M. N. Rodger (Palmerston North), T. E. V., Turpin (Otago), and W. L. Young (Wellington). The South Island Motor Union will hold a half-day conference on September 16 to dissolve before the amalgamation. There will be a reception and formal inauguration of the new body in the evening. The Governor-General and other principal guests will speak on Friday, September 17, and the conference proper will be held with a social function in the evening. The conference will continue. if necessary, on Saturday morning, there will be scenic drives in the afternoon, and a dinner in the evening. The South Island Motor Union executive held its final meeting yesterday to end business before winding up.

Other topics discussed were:— Abandoned Vehicles.—All South Island automobile association’s except North Otago support a proposal that when a vehicle appears to be abandoned (whether it is licensed or not) roading authorities be empowered to seek a court order for its disposal. A.A. London Anniversary.— A large coloured photograph of a South Island scenic spot will be sent to the Automobile Association (London) to mark its sixtieth anniversary. Limited Demand. About 150 copies of a history of the union will be printed because! the demand is limited to member associations and reference' libraries. Obituary.—The death of Mr W. A. O’Callaghan, a life member of the North Island Motor Union, was noted with regret. He was a frequent visitor to South Island conferences.