Franklin Agency Automobile Association.

Franklin Times, Volume XXV, Issue 128, 4 November 1935, Page 4

Franklin Agency Automobile Association.

llth ANNUAL REPORT.MEMBERSHIP INCREASES. GENERAL OPERATIONS. The following report concerning the operations of tlie Franklin Agency of the Automobile Association, Auckland, will be presented on behalf of the committee at the annual meeting to be held on November G.

“Membership: This has been increased from 758 to 812. 110 members were enrolled, but owing to deaths, resignations, transfers and deletions, the net increase was 54. Considering the fact that the Franklin district suffered severely from the particularly dry summer, these figures: r may be considered very satisfactory. “General activities — sign-posting and improvement of driving conditions r. Numerous new direction and safety first signs have been erected. Rep- f resentations made to local bodies and private property owners have resulted in improvement in visibility and better alignments. The co-operation of members in reporting to the patrol or agent, matters requiring attention, is sought and would be of great assistance. Head light tests were conducted during the year, and it is a matter for extreme regret that a large percentage of members failed to avail themselves of the opportunity of having headlights checked up. Despite the fact that the association has been $ rendering this free service to members for the past six years, it can hardly be said that the position has materially improved. Members are advised that glaring headlights constitute a breach of the motor regulations, and that furthermore they owe a definite responsibility to fellow motorists to take the necessary steps to have correctly adjusted headlights. I would make an earnest appeal to members to do everything possible to make night driving safer and more pleasant. “Get your home" service: This new service has proved invaluable to many members, and our council is to be heartily congratulated on embarking on such an ambitious scheme. It affords further proof (if any is wanted) of the advantage of motorists forming one vast organisation for mutual benefit. Local Agency. “Patrol and agent: Patrol G. D. Walker lias again rendered good service, and apart from enrolling new members and collecting subscriptions, has assisted and advised many members. The information bureau, in" charge of our agent, Mr M. S. Camp--bell, has experienced another Mjusy year. Members are reminded to get in touch with the local agent whenever they require advice or information pertaining to association activities. Any suggestions re sign posts, dangerous corners or bridges, straying stock, etc. should be made to him or the patrol. “Appreciation: On behalf of the agency, I would express deep appreciation of the excellent work done by the president, secretary and council during the past year. The scope of association activities is being widened each year, and it is truly amazing the benefits and privileges that are available to members. The substantial increase in membership is a testimonr ial to the ability and efficiency of the president and secretary, loyally assisted by a hard-working and enthusiastic staff. I would, on behalf of Franklin members, pay special tribute to Mr A. W. Grayson, who has now entered on his eighth term of office as president. Members of the association and motorists throughout the Dominion are under a deep debt of gratitude to Mr Grayson, who has worked assiduously for approximately 20 years in the interests of the motoring fraternity. Number of Accidents Increase. “Safety first: Each year there appears to be an alarmingly increasing number of motor accidents, and I would appeal to all members to do everything possible to reduce accidents to a bare minimum. Careless driving, high speed without thought of existing circumstances and conditions, can but result in loss of lives and shattered limbs. A little more thought and a little more restraint would make all the difference. Members should surely set an example by observing the rules of the road and extending every courtesy to other motorists.

“Membership: in last year’s report I expressed the hope that our membership might reach the 1000 mark. Evidently I was too ambitious. Nevertheless, 1 still feel that Franklin should have at least that number of members. I am confident the could be reached if present members made a personal effort to explain to non-members that every motorist benefited directly or indirectly from our activities. More members means increased service.”