SOUTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION

Evening Star, Issue 21992, 30 March 1935, Page 10

SOUTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION

HALF-YEARLY MEETING The half-yearly, meeting of the South Island Motor Union was held at Oaniaru yesterday, Mr F. W. Johnston (president) occupied the chair, and there were also present the following delegates:—Dr S. A. Gibbs, Messrs C. M. Rout, and E. R. Neale (Nelson), Air R. P. Furness (Marlborough), Messrs R. Twyneliam, W. R. Carey, F. W. Freeman, L. Wilson (Canterbury), Messrs S. G. AFClelland, J. Paliiser, W. J. Foote (South Canterbury), the Rev. J. Hay, Air E. J. Meredith (Waimate), Messrs J. W. Petrie, R. Jenkins. J. H. Alain (Oamaru), Alessrs F. J. Williams, E. J. Anderson, J. L. Passmore, H. S. Reid, W. F. Sutton (Otago), Mr D. J. Wesney. Dr Stanley Brown,'Alessrs J. R. Haigh, J. S. Dick (Southland). Air J. S Hawkes (Pioneer 'Motor, Club), Alessrs W. 0. Callaghan, W. G. AValkey (North Island Alotor Union), Air H. Wyuyard (Alain Highways Board), and Air P. R. Harman (secretary) . The mayor ‘ (Air AI. B. Cooney) extended a welcome to the visiting delegates. REAIITS.

Automobile Association (Nelson) : “ That the union take steps to press for the early completion of the Lewis Pass road.” —It was stated by Air Freeman that there was a great disparity in the allocation of funds in the 'North and South Islands. Last year, he said, the North Island received £611,000, while the South Island got only £165,000, of which total the Lewis Saddle district received only £75.000 — a‘mere pittance. He considered that the allocation bo more evenly distributed.—The remit was adopted. Automobile Association (Nelson): “ That the' union adopts some convention, preferably that observed generally in the North Island ami .parts of the South Island, ' to assist traffic on dangerous hill roads.’-’ —The Commissioner of Transport wrote in connection with “ courtesy ” signs tor hill traffic, stating that a magistrate had expressed the opinion that all signs of this character should be removed. Dr S. A. Gibb, in moving that the remit be odopted, stated that as the matter stood at present it was only adding to tbe difficulties of motorists on hilly roads. Air R. P. Farness (Alarlborougli) secAlr Anderson (Otago) considered that the courtesy signs were essential, and moved an amendment as a recommendation to local associations; “ That under the circumstances required, the associations should erect signs stating that the downhill traffic give way, and take steps to have the rule incorporated as a local by-law.” He considered the signs, under the traffic regulations, were illegal. Mr R. Twyneham stated that as a local by-law the erection of signs would be all right, but to adopt a convention would be dangerous. ■ Air W. R. Carey did not think they would get anywhere by adopting tbe remit as stated, and accordingly seconded Air Anderson’s amendment. On the suggestion'of the chairman, tbe amendment was altered to read as follows:—“ That it be a recommendation to local associations that; under the circumstances required, tbe associations should erect signs embodying the requirements whether up-hill traffic or down-hill traffic should give way, and have the rule incorporated as a local by-law.” Dr Brown said it was essential that a universal system be adopted, and gave notice of moving a further amendment: “ That inside traffic give way to outside traffic and courtesy signs be erected accordingly.” After further discussion the North Island representative (Air W._ L. Walkley) was asked to give an opinion. He stated that the adoption of universal signs would be a dangerous practice. The amendment was carried by 14 votes to 10.

Dr Brown’s amendment was then carried, and a further amendment—“ That the union inquire from the North Island Association whether, in the event of the South Island adopting the convention of inside traffic giving way to outside traffic, it would agree to the present procedure ” was also carried. Automobile Association (Southland): “ That the question of standardised street parking be discussed by delegates.” A lengthy memorandum on the remit .was enclosed by the association setting out proposals for grading streets into three classes, and suggesting three colours for kerbs. The association pointed out that the present position regarding street parking was one which caused concern to every motorist whose business or pleasure trips took him to localities with which he was unacquainted.” The Otago Association forwarded a remit— ** That consideration be given to the adoption of uniform parking signs for the cities and principal towns of the dominion.” It was agreed to consider the two remits together, and alter a short discussion they were adopted. Automobile Association (Otago) : “That it be a recommendation to the Main Highways Board that when it is forming and sealing a highway within the boundaries of a town it should also form and seal a suitable way for pedestrians in the vicinity.”—Mr Wynyard, of the board, agreed that the recommendation was a good one, but pointed out that the cost of laying down a footpath was not large, and he considered ft was really the affair of the local authority. He thought it the general opinion that the Government should subsidise such projects.—The remit was adopted without further discussion. The following motion was carried: — “ (a) That direct grants by the Crown out of motor taxation as' rebate to counties or rates should be discontinued; (b) that charging of interest on Government grants or on transfers to the Main Highways Board’s construction account should be discontinued; (c) that all motor taxation should be restored to the Main Highways Board; (d) that any assistance to counties should be by way of grants by the Main Highways ‘Board out of highways funds for the purpose of reading ; (e) that steps be taken to set up a committee of the N.I.M.TJ. and S.I.M.U. to consider the whole question in all its phases and confer with county representatives and representatives of the Crown (f) that all special taxation which was placed on motorists to assist the dominion in its time of need should be reduced proportionately with other special taxation for similar purposes.” MAIN HIGHWAYS. Mr Wynyard, of the Main Highways Board, gave a lengthy resume of the work being carried out at the present time on main highways throughout New Zealand, but principally in the South Island. Much work was being held up at the time until the Government gave. Its opinion regarding the administration of funds, and therefore the programme for the year could not be fixed until such was forthcoming. Deferring to finance, Mr Wynyard stated that on a Gd per gallon petrol tax the revenue of the Main Highways Board from all sources should run out approximately as under-Revenue sixty million gallons at 6d, £1,500,000, less 10

per cent, rebate, £150,000, less 8 per cent, to borough, £IOB,OOO, leaving a total of £1,242.000. To this amount was added' tyre tax £65,000, motor registration and license fees £360,000. and sundry revenues £5,000, giving a total of £1,672,000. From this amount £237,300 was deducted for permanent charges, leaving a total of £1,407,700. The question of considering the alignment of roads was being given greater attention to-day than was the case ten years ago, said Mr Wynyard. The position ten years ago was vastly different to conditions prevailing in these times in respect to road-traffic and road upkeep. This change in road maintenance work had been the result of the experience gained by the improvements effected in motor vehicles and their effect upon highways. Another question that was being considered very seriously at the present time was the dust nuisance, and within the past year over 300 miles of highway in New Zealand had been sealed. Ten years ago farmers had not given consideration to road surfacing, but as a result of the effect of the dust nuisance on cattle they were now advocating that all main highways be sealed to combat the nuisance. A great deal had yet to he done in areas that were liable to be flooded periodically, but tho work was being pushed ahead as fast as possible. Mr Wynyard then detailed the work of sealing roads that had been carried out in the South Island during the past year. Mr Freeman said he understood that the requirements for the South Island would cost over £198.000. and if this was the case it was quite apparent that motorists had leeway to make up.