MOTOR LEGISLATION

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 37, 12 August 1927, Page 10

MOTOR LEGISLATION

TWENTY-NINE YEARS AGO

THE INTRODUCTION OF CARS

In these days when motor-cars are everywhere, it is hard to realise that it is only twenty-nine years since the New Zealand Parliament authorised the introduction of motors into the Colony as it was theu called.

The Legislation was a private Bill and was entitled "The M'Lean Motor-ear Act, 1898." It was an Act, "to authorise William M'Lean to use motorcars, and to enable other persons to obtain permits and licenses for a like purpose; and also to. authorise the storage of inflammable substances used in driving such motor-cars."

The preamble to the Act stated: "Whereas William M'Lean, commission agent, acting for himself and others, lately arranged for the introduction into the Colony of motor-cars; i.iii whereas it is doubtful whether, in the existing state •of the law, motor-cars can be lawfully used on the public roads and streets, and it is expedient that power should be giveu to use motor-cars on such roads and streets."

One of the clauses of the Act that will now raise a smile on the face of every motorist is tho interpretation given of a car. "Motor-ear," it is stated, "means any vehicle propelled by mechanical power, which, unladen, is under three tons in weight, such vehicle being so constructed that no smoke or visible vapour is emitted therefrom, except from such temporary or accidental cause.''

Clause 8 would probably not meet with the general approval of motorists to-day. It fixed the maximum speed of motor-cars at twelve miles an hour on the public highway.

The regulations are, also, in the light of to-day, rather humorous. They state: "Motor-cars shall be capable of being guided by a person sitting theroon." The regulations provide that the tires of each wheel shall not be less than 2^ inches in width, and make the wise precaution that every car should have to each two wheels a brake, all brakes to be arranged as to be under the control of some responsible person. For a breach of any of the provisidns of the Act a maximum fine of £-10 was fixed.