AUCKLAND NEWS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 23, 28 January 1928, Page 18

AUCKLAND NEWS

The following items are taken from the "New Zealand Herald": The fishing prospects of the Bay of Islands have drawn a number of motorists to the noTth. " Visitors to the Dominion are astounded that there is no road access to Kussell, but the_ New Zealander has become used to this sort of thing. The traveller can drive no further than Kawakawa, but some prefer to rail the car to Opua and store it there. The only connection between Russell and Opua is by boat. The gap which requires formation is so short that it is difficult to see why the Government has not stepped in and completed the vital link. The A.A.A. has decided to investigate a complaint that the costs which a convicted motorist is compelled to pay include 3s 6d for the appearance of the constable who laid the complaint. The view taken by the association is that the constable appears in Court as a part

of his duty and that no charge should be made for unwelcome services. It is contended that the fine should cover the expenses of these official witnesses. Tho Papakura Town Board has authorised proceedings against over 430 motorists who are alleged to have exceeded the absurd local speed limit of 20 miles per hour. Mass production is an old idea, but there is something novel in this mass prosecution. Within the next three months the A.A.A. will consider the appointment of an advisory mechanical engineer at a salary of about £350 a year. It is hoped to inaugurate this service for the assistance of members of the association who are faced with problems in tho operation of their cars. The Mount Eden borough has em-

barked on a particularly progressive policy in regard to its 36 miles of road. More than half the length has been surfaced with either concrete or a rather superior class of bitumen, and before the end of next year every road of any importance will be paved in some permanent material. The view taken is that common macadam is not economical in the long run. The A.A.A. motor-cycle patrol will be on tha road as soon as equipment can |bo obtained. Two machines with specI ial sidecar carriers will bo needed in order to accommodate the repair gear which is likely to be needed in the reutiue of the patrols. The institutioa of! the patrol service is an argument for the fitting of the A.A.A. identification badge by every member.