N.Z. AUTOMOBILE UNION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3145, 25 July 1917, Page 3

N.Z. AUTOMOBILE UNION

ANNUAL REPORT

DEMAND FOR BETTER ROADS

In its nnnunl report tlic executive committee of the New Zealand Automobile Union states that though, as in previous war years, it lias been touiid impossible to promote motoring legislation during the past twelve uontlis, the interests or' affiliated associations have not been neglected, and something l'.aa been done to pave the way for legislative action, as soon as the r'atmna! circumstances permit. It is suggested that the union should set up a special, committee to deal with the question of model by-laws. A letter lias been received from the Minister of internal Affairs stating that this ijuestion has not been overlooked, and pointing out certain difficulties that have arisen wliicli iu his opinion involve fresh iigislation. This lie proposes to introduce during the present session. The executive considers that the enormous increase in motor traffic n.akes it necessary that all drivers should be licensed. The license, it adds, not bo annual, but must be a certificate of competency. The license should be carried at all times, and be subject to endorsement for proved offences, and in certain cases be subject to suspension or cancellation. The fee charged should cover the cost of the necessary examination of drivers. ■ The speed limit question, it is remarked, will probably have to be dealt with' in the proposed motor by-laws. "This union," tho report continues, 'ha* always considered that the provisions _of the Motor Regulations Act, 1908, section 9, fully covers the position, though its interpretation varies considerably in different localities. The majority of the speed limits imposed are ridiculously low, and in many cases are incapable of enforcement." Arterial Roads. An important section of the report deals with tlie construction i.nd maintenance of main highways, it is pointed out that in striving for ;mprov;-ments under this head the union e.innot be accused of advocating only the interests oi those who motor for pleasure. -lhe union concerns itself with the_ mdest possible aspect of tho ease. ine last few rears have witnessed an extraordinary development in motor traer.ion, and it is believed that in a very short tiJfte tho self-propelled vehicle* will tare the place of the horse-drawn one, at any rate in districts where any r-asonnble road surface is available. Jhe seving of time is far too important a factor to be overlooked by traders, including the small farmer, and any movement which tends to quiclcen and cheapen transit is of vital importance to the whole community. , - ~ i, "The question of good roads, the report. proceeds, "involves many dimcult problems. At a previous meeting this union adopted a resolution in ..avour of the establishment of a roads (."partmv'nf under the direction of highly-qualified road engineers, and in connection i\il' this matter tlie executive puts ffrwanl the following suggestion for the crnsuloration of affiliated associations, and if approved by tliem its submission to the Government as a definite course to be followed in the future. Tile suggestion is that a "roads department or department of highways" be formed to take over the existing main arterial roads, to re-form them where necessary, on a method yet to be settled, and to be. responsible for their maintenance. As a secondary duty this office should ha ve submitted to it the plans and =pecihcations of all roads proposed to r.e constructed. altered, and improved by local authorities, and such plans and specifications must be approved before any work could be gone ou with. As regards finance there should be a system of ratiii" somewhat on the lines laid down by the Hon. G. W. Ttussell in liis Bill; plus special taxes (such as all revenue raised from all classes of vehicles, not including fee payable for licenses to drive), and a subsidy from the Consolidated Fund. The total sum collected in any "iven couutv or district to be apportioned ainongst'the local authorities and the roads department, as may bo found necessary. It is not suggested that this union should advocate the immediate bringing of all main highways up to motor standard, as this could only be done by large loans, but it should urge the establishment of a special , organisation' for the purpose and the <■ imiwncenient of the work on a definite s>=tem, so that in a few years there would be a- very marked improvement in all wad construction. All present wasteful and extravagant methods should at once be stopped, and all new work done to the new standard.' , The annual meeting of delegates to tlie union is to be held on Friday next.