MOTORING INTERESTS

Evening Star, Issue 21220, 29 September 1932, Page 5

MOTORING INTERESTS

ANNUAL MEETING OF SOUTH ISLAND UNION [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, September 28. The annual meeting of the South Island Motor Union was held to-day, Mr F. W. Johnston (president) being in the chair. Replying to a question, Dir Wynyard, the motorists’ representative on the Main Highways Board, said the board was absolutely opposed to any cutting down of the amount of £650,000 considered to he necessary for the maintenance of roads. The election of officers resulted; — President, Mr F. W. Johnston; vicepresidents—Messrs F. W. Freeman, D. J. Wesney (Southland), F. J. Williams (Otago) ; executive—Messrs W. R. Carey, H. C. Harley, B. Falck, W. L. MinsOn, J. S. Hawkes, G. Henderson, R. H. Parker. Representatives of the West Coast asked for the erection of a bridge over the Waimakariri on the West Coast road. Most of the work, they said, could be done with unemployed labour. Mr Wynyard, the motorists’ representative on the Highways Board, said 1 it should be remembered that the board was short of funds. So serious was the result that the roads of the dominion were deteriorating to the extent of £200,000 yearly. A bridge, no doubt, was desirable, but there were hundreds of other bridges all over the dominion requiring attention. When funds were available Waimakariri bridge, with others, would he considered. Mr Talbot (counties’ representative) said there was no money .in the fund available for construction purposes. The annual meeting of the South Island Motor Union Mutual Insurance Association was held.

The Chairman, Mr,'W..R, Carey, said the year had been marked by satisfactory progress. After making'provision for unexpired risks, depreciation, and all other liabilities, the surplus was £10,164. Tho income was £30.106 10s and the losses £11,161. Tho total funds at June 30. 1932, were £56,124 13s, of which £14,988. 15s had been placed to. reserve for unexpired ' risks. The general reserve was £33,033. The loss ratio was 37 per cent., and the expense ratio 19.8 per cent. It was agreed that three additional directors be appointed to the board, the idea being that these should not be residents of Canterbury. Messrs TV. R. Carey and C. G. Curtis were elected directors.