NUMBER PLATE WRANGLE

Evening Star, Issue 19002, 25 July 1925, Page 17

NUMBER PLATE WRANGLE

CRITICISM AMD REPLY Speaking of tho recent Number ,Plate Conference editorially,-the ‘Radiator (the official organ of the Motor Tradeis Association) says: “The conference called by tho Minister of Internal Affairs to Confer with him in respect to the style of registration number plates to be used next year was a complete fiasco. In ohr capacity as representative of, tho Now Zealand Motor Trade Association, wo attended tho conference at tho stipulated time and place, and found a conference between the representatives of tho local bodies and automobile associations in full swing. Tho Minister and his private secretary arrived at the door of the room in which the conference was to bo held punctually at tho appointed time, and were informed that a preliminary meeting was being held, and was not quite ready to receive him. Although the proposals put forward by the’South Island motorists were shown to ho impracticable by the executive officer, those responsible would not in any way modify them or agree to a compromise. Had the suggestion made by the motor trade representatives to agree to an annual change of number plate if tho number itself is not changed being adopted it would probably hare been accepted by the Minister, and the matter settled then and there. The matter is left with tho Minister for decision, and in our opinion there is little chance of the South Island requests being granted. The men who represent tho motorists on tho motor unions have a great deal to a.nswcr_ for, as we very much doubt jf tbo views put forward by those gentlemen are the views of motorists generally. Of course, motorists are to blame for not taking more interest in their associations and seeing that suitable men are put in the official positions. Although tho automobile associations in the larger centres have fairly large membership now, we think there is in reality very little interest shown bv the rank and file, and the officials are left to pub forward views ■which they claim are the views of the motorists of tho dominion, whilst in reality they represent only a very small section. Mr Tapley, Mayor of Dunedin, on behalf of the representatives of tho local bodies and motor unions, explained that they had held a preliminary conference, at which, they had agreed .on certain resolutions _ which would bo submitted to the Minister. These resolutions, be said, were not unanimous, but before adopting thorn those present had agreed that tho minority would accept the views of the majority. Mr Tapley spoke at considerable length, and condemned in no uncertain terms' tho present system of number plates and everything connected with it.

“Mr Ansell, representing the motor unions, supported the recommendation of Mr Tapley, and strongly urged that permanent number plates be adopted. One of the main reasons put forward by Mr Ansell was the cost of removing the old plates and affixing the new plates each year. He feelingly informed the Minister that it cost a man he knew 3s Gd to do this.

“ Mr J. F. Cousins suggested that the color of the plates he changed every year, but that the same number ho retained, and he strongly urged the other representatives to accept this suggestion and meet the wishes of the officials responsible for the issue of the number plates. “ Mr Ansell and Mr Tapley refused to accept the suggestion, and stood by the resolutions adopted by them, and would not agree to or consider anything else.’’ MR ANSELL REPLIES. When shown the above criticism Mr Ansell (president of the Otago Motor Club) replied as follows: “ ‘A rotten game!’ Such Is the epithet frequently applied by 1 sports ’ to a game of football that has ended by the other side winning; or in more polite terms, the game was ‘ a complete fiasco. The conference did not end to suit the editor of the ‘ Radiator,’ hence these tears. The northern members sat as dumb dogs, the southern men dominated the position; they would not agree to the suggestion of the motor trade representative. Really too bard, so_ on those who so ably assisted in bringing into being tills ‘ perfect system.’ This wail continues ; * The men who represent the motorists on the motor unions have a

great deal to answer for, as we very much doubt if the views put forward by these gentlemen are the views of motorists generally. Of course motorists are to blame for not taking more interest in their associations and seeing that suitable men are put in tho official positions.’ A deft stroke, neatly administered, which will teach some of us to be more humble. May I suggest that the editor arrange to attend the next annual meetings of the Canterbury Automobile Association and of tho Otago Motor Club, and assist in the selection of suitable men. But I fancy, from his point of view, that what is desired is not o much ‘ suitable men ’ as ‘ pliable men.’ ‘ Fiasco 1’ if that word describes the wholesome condemnation the present number plates and the system received at the conference, well that word will suffice.

“ ‘ Mr Tnploy spoke at considerable length, and condemned in no uncertain terms tho present system of number plates and everything connected with it.’ Quite correct, Mr Taplej capably handled his subject matter, ana it was with no small amount of pride that I listened to our mayor voicing so effectually the objections of tin municipalities and counties of New Zealand. I have no doubt that Mi Tapley will also be classed in the same category as myself, ‘ unsuitable.’ ‘‘ ‘ One of the main reasons put forward by Mr Ansoll was tho cost of removing tho old plates and affixing the new plates each year. He feelingly informed tho Minister that it cost a mai ho know 3s 6d to do this.’ 1 also ‘ feelingly informed ’ the Ministei that from the view of the police, motorists, and the public generally the present plates were a failure,, and thai they failed in the most essential point —identification; that we as motorist, objected to the absolutely useless expenditure of £IO,OOO annually. Tin question of tho trouble and expens, of changing plates was referred to a: subsidiary. The statement that changing the plates was ono of the ‘ mail reasons ’ for my disapproval of tin present system only proves what 1 havi repeatedly alleged: that those who uphold tho present system ignore the fact that the public and all legitimate roac users are penalised by tho present inefficient number plates, and that motorists are paying in the region of £lO,000 annually to perpetuate an inefficient system. That these two reasons count as nothing to the representative of tho Motor Trade Association is proved by tho fact that ho dismisseswhat I stressed as the main objections, and in their place substitutes what i consider and referred to as a subsidiary objection. “Mr Cousins suggested that the color of tho plates bo changed every year, but that tho same number he retained, and ho now relates ‘ that Mi Ansell and Mr Tapley refused to accept his suggestion, and stood by the resolutions adopted by, them, ami would not agree to consider anything else.’ What else did Mr Cousins expect; wore wo going to fall on lie neck because he brought forward a suggestion that would add still iurthei to the expense of administering a system that wo condemned? Mr M‘Namara clearly stated that the adoptioi of the suggestion would add to administrative difficulties and entail additional expense; that it is so will be easily seen when it is remembered that over 100,000 plates would have to he sorted out to over 100,000 owners. li Mr Cousins wants a permanent nc.mhei let him advocate the English system of registration, a system in which identification is the first essential, and which also embraces economy in administration. By doing so ho will place himself in accord with the feelings expressed at the conference, for although the New South Wales system may have to bo put aside an account of the estimated extra expense in collecting tho license fees, the ,English system does not suffer this disability', and ho will thus assist in saving for motorists many thousands of pounds. Tho sum at present deducted for administrative expenses from the proceeds of the license and registration fees is about £7,500: wo have no objection to that, but to tag on to motorists another £IO,OOO when this is avoidable, and is neither in the interests of motorists nor the public generally, seems to mo to be an absurdity difficult to cither defend or understand. Mr Cousins states we will not consider or agree to anything else. We will agree to consider any system that will prove efficient and economical.”-