CAR CONVERSION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 61, 14 March 1939, Page 6

CAR CONVERSION

OWNERS CONG&RNEI) MOTOR UNION'S ACTION (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NELSON, March 13. The problem of car conversion came before the half-yearly meeting of the' South Island-Motor Union, -When a Southland delegate introduced the following remit- dealing with the subjt:_" ec That in view of the increasing number of Borstal institution escapees who convert cars.and frequently cause extensive damage, the South island Motor Union make representations to the Minister of Justice asking that steps be taken to check such esCa&es, and that the North Island Motor Union be asked to collaborate." The speaker gave details of escapes and car Conversions. A certain amount of liberty was given the Borstal lads and they at times were away from the close attention of officers and sometimes got away. The chairman, Mr. W. R. Carey, said they could see that- there was a tremendous amount of wastage and damage' caused by escapees. Mr. Main said that Oamaru was in the track of these escapees and several motorists had suffered, but it was generally their own fault for not locking their cars and garages. The speaker said he thought better control should be exercised. He also considered motorists should be more careful of their own property. Mr. A. Grayson (ISf.LISi.U.) asked that the remit be widened to extend to other types of car conversions, and; from a Dominion point .of view he would like the S.I.M.U.' to make representations to the Minister on all car conversions. The chairman said that the Minister had already been approached on the general question of conversions. pr. S. A. "Gibbs (vicerpfesident) asked what proportion of car conversions were by escapees. One delegate replied that by unofficial figures the proportion was low. Mr. Grayson said that he could not agree with Mr. Main altogether that motorists were to blame. If cars were not available on streets those wanting them would get them somehow., Mr. J. R.. Leggo (Nelson) thought their appeal should be to the Magistracy to deal with offenders more severely. cdNVERSidN att t&eft. The chairman said it was a question of conversion or theft, and the heading under which car converters were charged was generous. Motorists had reason to be apprehensive. Mr. J. £>. Hawkes (executive) said there was the further question of the safety of roacl-users, as many of these young offenders could not drive properly.' Dr. Gibbs said Nelson was not quite in favour of the wording of the remit, as there was aot sufficient information as to the proportion of offences by es : capees. He moved as an amendment that, in conjunction with the N.1.M.U., further representations be made to the Ministers of Justice and Transport about the illegal conversion of motor vehicles, and that the attention of the Ministers be drawn to the participation in these offences of escapees from Government reformative institutions. Mr. McClelland: Suppose we ask that the term "conversion" be abolished and make it straight-out theft? Dr. Gibbs: They won't agree to it. Mr. Main agreed to the amendment; and said he was pleased that the scope of the remit was widened. The remit wais carried.