MOTOR SERVICE OFFICER

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 191, 15 May 1928, Page 3

MOTOR SERVICE OFFICER

$ QUESTION CONSIDERED BY AUTOMOBILE CLUB A proposal came before the Wellington Automobile Club last night, which may result in the stationing of a service officer with cycle and side-car or motor-car on the roads iu the Wellington Province to go to the aid of motorists in distress. The secretary (Mr. H. J. Stott) reported that he was of opinion that the time had arrived for the executive to consider the appointment of a service officer on the road, with motor-cycle and side-car if thought necessary. His duties should be:—(1) To give advice to all'car owners’on the road; (2) to telephone the proper authorities in case of accident; (3) to assist in effecting minor repairs; (4) to secure new members, thus helping to defray the service officer’s expenses. “The system of giving a big commission to secure new members has, to my miud, served its purpose,” said Mr. Stott, “and a small commission given a service officer, in addition to salary, plus judicious advertising, should give the desired result of increased membership. I suggest that a sub-committee be set up to consider cost and details and bring down a report. Mr. A. E. Batt said that service officers had been instituted in Australia.

Mr. I. V. Wilson said he would like to see such a service as Auckland had got extended right through the North Island, and it would be a good idea if Auckland would extend their service right through the North Island instead of each association having a service officer.

Mr. Stott said a service officer was working iu Hawke's Bay as well as Auckland.

The chairman (Mr. A. L. Warburton) expressed the view that it was early to ask Auckland how the scheme was working or to institute such a service in Wellington. The club was not yet big enough. Mr. Stott disagreed, and said he thought the time was ripe for such an appointment. The cost would be about £3 a week and. ss. each new member, with a motor-cycle and side-car. Members thought it would be better to have a motor-car instead of a motor-cycle and side-car. The question was referred to a subcommittee consisting of Messrs. Batt, Lawrence, "Wilson, Manton, and the secretary to go into and report to the next meeting.