YEAR OF ACTIVITY

Evening Star, Issue 20312, 22 October 1929, Page 6

YEAR OF ACTIVITY

MOTOR CLUB’S PROGRESSIVENESS AGITATION FOR BETTER CITY ROADS TRAFFIC REGULATIONS FULLY DISCUSSED Over 100 members attended the seventeenth annual meeting of the Otago Motor Chib last night. A keen interest was manifested in the club’s activities, and members complimented the club on its nourishing condition. Mr H. Halliday presided, Mr A. E. Ausell, M.P., being detained in Wellington. The adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet was moved by Mr Halliday, who said the club’s credit now stood at £2,743. A tew years ago the club was scraping for finance, hut to-day it did not know what to do with its money. (Laughter.) Recently Mr R. Malcolm was appointed outside representative tor the club, and ho was proving himself a success; before the appointment Mr Malcolm was secretary of the Oamaru Motor Association. The committee was to be thanked for the way it had helped Mr Passmore and himself in carrying on the club’s activities during Mr Ansell’s absence in Wellington. Every member of the committee was a worker in his own particular line. Thanks were also due to the Dunedin Jockey Club for the use of Wingatui racecourse for the orphans day, and to the members who had given lectures during the winter months. Mr J. L. Passmore, who was responsible for the ‘Year Book,’ _ of the leading motoring annuals in New Zealand and Australia, and Mr A. C. M'George, who had charge of the sign posting and knew every road in the district, were two members of the committee whoso services were singled out for special mention. RELATIONS WITH LOCAL BODIES The happy relationship between the club and the local bodies was continued, said Mr Halliday. Years ago some ot the local bodies looked upon motorists as the people responsible for the whole of their worries. The motorists generously admitted they threw a deal of burden on the county councils by damaging the roads. Per the past ten or twelve years there was a definite feeling between the club and the local bodies, and to-day they were in the happy position of being classed as friends. Any assistance applied for was readily granted, and the club appreciated the cordial feeling. The South Island Motor Union Insurance Association, which was commenced with the object of reducing premiums, had been in existence for three years. Flourishing under a good dictatorship and a capable secretary, the association was in a very financial position. Premiums were being reduced, and a handsome credit was being piled up. During the year the club carried out its obligation of taking the orphans to Wingatui The members who took part enjoyed themselves as much as the children, and they hoped many years would pass before a suggestion was made to discontinue orphans' day. FATE OF TRANSPORT BILL A fair amount ol interesting legislation was proposed during the year, continued the chairman. The most important was the formation of the Transport Department and Council, which was framing new regulations and consolidating all by-laws into regulations. Tile Transport Council was a new departure, and ho was optimistic enough to believe that it would be au improvement. The new Transport Bill presented to Parliament contained provisions to which motorists would not agree, but they were broadminded, and would admit that the proposals were a step in the right direction. A Transport Department in each centre was suggested by the Bill. Although some motorists considered that provision unnecessary, the Government replied that matters would be eased for the motorists, as all licenses and payments would bo handled by one office. However, there was doubt as to the fate ot the Bill. The question of compulsory rail(vav crossing stops was mentioned in the Bill, but it was made a regulation two months before the Bill was drafted. Motorists would now have to stop at the compulsory places whether or not a train was in sight, the penalty tor failure to observe the regulation , being £2O. He had personally objected to the regulation, and the club should voice its protest if it considered so many stops absurd. Between Christchurch and Bluff there were ninety-six ■otnpulsory stops. (Laughter.) INCREASED HIGHWAYS GRANT Important legislation was considered tor the handling oi the Highways Board funds, said Mr Halliday. When the Government proposed to retain its grant ot £23S,UUU to tho board, the motorists ol both islands, supported by the county councils, commenced to protest. As a result ol the agitation, the Government saw that the motorists were too strong and gave tho hill grant. Motorists, however, wanted an increased grant. \\ hen the sum of £235,000 was first given yearly, only 6,000 miles oi roads were under tho control of the Mam Highways Board, but to-day the mileage was 10,000. An increase ol the grant was a rightful request. In the past tho motorists had not strenuously objected to the Government’s forcing of tho Highways Board to provide work for tho unemployed, but in view of the present position steps were to bo taken to protest. In tho past motorists might have been considered unwilling to help the unemployed if they protested when they were considered a wealthy community. The taxation was paid by motorists for one special purpose, the repairing of damage to the roads, and motorists wore emphatic that money spent on the relief of unemployment was not giving a return ol 20s in the £. A wonderful improvement had been made on tho country roads by the Highways Board. 1 n the past year the improvement on the South Island roads was a record The concreting ot the road from Christchurch to Selwyn Bridge would be completed shortly. Near Waitabuna the worst parts ol the road wore as good as the best roads in the city. The Killmog road improvement would be commenced in the near future, certainly before next winter. (Laughter.) “ 1 did not wish to be jocular,” remarked Mr Halliday. “ A lot of regrading has to be done before the actual work of improving the surface can be started. The work has been held up for several years because the Waikouaiti County was unable to provide the money to keep the road in good condition, but, owing to tho county’s and chib’s agitation, the Highways Board has exceeded its limit in the way of subsidy to get the work done. (Applause.) Although the two highways boards to bo created would not actually bo distinct, the Government’s move would bring about an improvement in the South Island, said Mr Halliday. The personnel suggested for the boards was three Government representatives and two representatives each of the counties and motorists. The Transport Bill stated there would be four county representatives. Ho was sure that was a mistake, as the Transport- Council decided on only two members, Al-

though not fully satisfied with the suggested change, the South Island Motor Union accepted it as an improvement. CITY ROADS CONDEMNED! The minds of tho executive was exercised during tho year over the state of tho city roads, said Mr Halliday. The roads in Dunedin were the worst in any city in New Zealand, and he defied contradiction of that statement. Such roads as King, Crawford, and Stuart streets were unexcelled for surface, but what did Dunedin have in the back streets, and roads like Cargill road? (Laughter.) There was only one answer. While they criticised tin* City Council they should also see the Corporation’s side. The policy of tho club was not to ask for anything for nothing, and no request was made until the motorists had tho right to ask for and expect an improvement. Tho right existed so far as the condition of the city streets was concerned. (Hear, hear.) Tho motorists were taxed to the extent of £1,500,000 for tho roads, and the cities received 8 per cent, of the petrol tax. That was a small percentage. The Dunedin City Council’s share of the petrol tax and heavy traffic fees was £IO,OOO annually. A Corporation official had stated that the roads could not be improved while motor traffic was increasing at such an alarming rate. Tho council was pressing for an increased allocation from taxation. A great many cars and vans did not leave tho city. Motorists would see how unfair was the position from the council’s point of view. However, the club intended to press for an improvement to the roads; if the request were not granted tho club would go further, as already two deputations had not achieved anything. Noisy cyclists were not so greatly in evidence now, and Mr Halliday congratulated the motor cycling branch on the success of its activities. Tie appealed to motorists to exercise care when passing hospitals so as not to disturb tho patients with the noise, and also enlisted their sympathy in the observance of the parking area by-laws. Parking areas were a privilege, and unless the motorists were careful tho areas would bo abolished. CAMPING PARK. The motion was seconded by Mr J. R. Passmore, who referred to the good work being done by tho organiser, particularly in tho country districts. Arrangements were completed for Taliuna Park to be again used as a camping ground this summer. Definite arrangements would have to be made by the club for the following year, but tho club was not prepared at present to expend £6OO in providing a camp near the new pavilion at St. Kildfi. Mr Passmore complimented the police on the assistance given. The police had shown that a lair spin would bo reciprocated. Mr 11. H. Henderson said tho bal-ance-sheet was most complete in that all expenditure was clearly shown. Tho surplus of £4OO for the year was satisfactory, but many things could be done with tho money. The assets exceeded liabilities by £2,743, an increase ol £650 on the figures last year, but the sum of £BOO in outstanding subscriptions was evidence that motorists were not good payers or were short ot u oney. The executive proposed to start a campaign for the reduction of thx arrears Mr W. Wright said the chib’s influence was increased by the assistance of tho Press. Ho deplored the condition of Cargill road, and said the road would not be paved until the tram rails were shifted to the centre of the street and tho ratepayers sanctioned another works loan. Mr J. H. Walker expressed the opin ion that the time was opportune for the club to obtain its own rooms. He asked the club to request the City Council lo repair the tram track up High street. Not a penny had been spent on the track since the city took it over, yet Mornington Borough was forced to maintain a wide track when it was in control. He congratulated the executive on its active year, and said that the club could not have a more courteous secretary than Mr P. H. Power. Tho motion was carried unanimously. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Sir John Roberts was rc-elcctcd patron. Only one nomination, that of Mr J. L. Passmore, was received for the presidency. Mr Halliday said the nomination was Jong deferred. Mr Passmore was appointed to the club’s committee in 1914, and he was one of the hardest workers for motorists. Recently Mr Passmore was honoured by being elected a vice-president of the South Island Motor Union. Other officers elected were:—Past president, Mr A. E. Ansel M.P.; vicepresidents, Messrs P. W. Breen and H. Halliday; treasurer, Mr H. S. Reid; hen. solicitor, Mr A. I. W. Wood; coni rnittee—Messrs A. J. Campbell, P. W. Curtis, H. P. Desmoulins. A. O. Davies, H. H. Henderson, L. H, Johnson, G. S. Kirby, J. J. Purdie, W. D. M’Car thy, A. C. M'Gcorgc, W. S. MT linos, A. M. Shcrriff, G. T. Thorn, F. J. Wil limns, W. Wright; auditor, Mr J. T. Hamann. CLUB’S ASSISTANCE SOUGHT. Mr Halliday said a letter had been received from tiro Ratepayers’ Association. Mr Wright: Who are they ? Mr Halliday (jocularly) : A small body that interferes with everybody. The association asked the club to sup port au agitation for the abolition ol the parking area in Crawford street, which was a menace to traffic. A Member: It is the best parking place in town. No action was taken. A protest from Mr Garth Gailaway regarding jails and other rubbish being placed on ■ tho surface of High street was referred to tho executive. The committee was instructed to be represented at a conference with the Taieri County Council to present the petition for-'the resurvey of Deep Stream Hill road. Mr Morgan (St. Bathans) wired asking the club to approach the Public Works Department and request that the erection of the Pigroot bridge be taken in hand. Mr Halliday said this was the last erdek on the Central road to be bridged to give a crossing in wet weather. The plans prepared by the department provided for a 20ft bridge as against the 12ft bridge originally proposed. Motions of thanks were passed to tie executive, tho secretary, and bis statli A discussion took place on the ques tion of club moms, but Mr Hallida said the executive was not in favour < taking on a building scheme at pre sent. A member urged that servh officials should be placed on the road. During the meeting supper was served, and a musical programme was provided by Misses Mary Pratt, Ethel Wallace, and Mathieson, and Mr W. J. Kershaw, M iss Rita Holmes being the accompanist.