MOTOR CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 21823, 12 September 1934, Page 3

MOTOR CLUB

TRAMS AND BUSES DISCUSSED ROAD SERVICE EXTENSION TO CYCLISTS The committee of the Otago Motor Club held its monthly meeting last night, Mr P. W. Breen presiding. FREDERICK STREET INTERSECTION. Protests were made against the blocking of the view by trams at the Frederick and George street intersections and of the alleged dangerous driving of the corporation buses. Mr Breen said that at Frederick street the south-bound trams were stopped past the building line, and the tramways department stated that this was done in order to allow people coming up Frederick street to see the car standing there. The result was that the motorist’s view was blocked. There had been an accident there that morning, a corporation bus having collided with a motor car. There was, the speaker thought, a strong case here, and the tramways department should again be asked to take some action. Mr A. O. Davies said that the buses came down Pitt street at an unreasonable speed and crossed the intersection without regard for other traffic. Criticism was also expressed of the practice of turning the corporation buses at the intersection of King and Frederick street^. The Chairman said that representations which had been made to the tramways department had failed to hear fruit. Mr J. E. Anderson moved — that a small deputation place the matter before a full meeting of the City Coun- ' This course was agreed to, and Messrs Anderson and F. J. Williams were appointed to represent the club. FREE ROAD SERVICE. The decision of the club to exclude motorists from the new free road service scheme was the subject of protest from the motor cycle section, Mr Davies having given notice to move “ That the committee’s resolution confirming the proposals for_ the free road servicing scheme be rescinded and the question of extending the benefits of the scheme lie reopened.” The Chairman explained that this action was not necessary, and expressed his willingness to hear any suggestions which Mr Davies might wish to put forward. , ~ 10 ., Mr Breen said that there were town cyclists paying half the full-mem-bership fee and 105 country members who paid one-quarter of the lull subscriptions. These, especially the town members, were contributing to the club, and their support was appreciated. It was considex*ed that most motor cyclists were competent mechanics, and for the most part were able to deal with their own troubles. It the free service were extended, all sorts of people would probably join up and expect to get their machines overhauled free. Admittedly there was, to some extent, the same risk with motorists.. Au important point was that non ® °* the othsr organisations which had tree road service schemes in operation were offering service to motor cyclists, ami even if it were given here cyclists would not be able to get it outside of Otago. Under these circumstances it was questionable whether it was worth while including the motor cyclists m the club’s scheme. The garage-keepers were not prepared to give service at reduced prices to motor cyclists. Ihe suggestion \ had been made that _ they should be offered the same service as car owners if they were prepared to pay half the cost of any repairs effected under the scheme. Mr Davies referred to tlio protests which had been expressed by the last meeting of the motor cycle section against the proposal to exclude cyclists from the benefits of the scheme. Jhe opinion was held, he said, that motor cyclists would not make as many calls on the service as car owners, because the average motor cyclist was a better mechanic than the average car owner, and most motor cycles on the road were in better mechanical order than cars. There were occasions, however, such as when a piston broke, when the motor cyclist required assistance. He would move _“ That, as a trial, the free service be extended to motor cyclists at the ordinary rate of subscription for a period of twelve months.” Mr C. Bingham seconded the motion and supported Mr Davies’s contentions. Mr G. Thorne said that it was not reasonable to give the same service foi half the subscription. . , ~ Mr A. J. Allen said he thought the club ought to give its support to the motor cvclists, and expressed the opinion that their proposal should be given twelve nionths’ trial. Mr W. Wright said that he was in sympathy with the motor cyclists, but he thought they should pay something for the service. Mr Williams moved as an amendment —“ That the service be extended to the motor cyclist members on condition that they pay half-cost of all repairs.” . amendment was earned. GENERAL. The club received seventeen nominations for membership, replacements, ■ and twenty-one resignations. , , . ~ Mr Williams reported on road beautification proposals. Developments were being awaited before any action on the part of the club could he recommended. —The report was received. The South Island Motor Union Insurance Association advised that the annual meeting would be held on September 28, and nominations of two directors were requested.—lt was decided to nominate Messrs F. \v. I'reeman and C. G. Curtis. . The Southland Association advised that its name had been officially changed to the Automobile Association (Southland), Inc.. The date of the annual meeting was fixed-for September 26.