AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 August 1928, Page 11

AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

SOME PLAIN SPEAKING. ' MANY DEFAULTING MEMBERS. * Some very plain speaking was ihd'ulged in at the annual meeting of (he Greymouth branch of the Canterbury Automobile Association, held at ‘Harper’s Tea Rooms last evening, par-, ticularly with reference to unfinancial members, who total about forty out of a little over two hundred. . 'flip .President (Mr G. R. Harker) 'Occupied. the chair, and the following members were, present: Messrs jW. B ’Harley (secretary), J. M. Bunt, W. ’ Sampson, P. Hambleton, r H. D. James, A. Antwiss, J. Hambleton, R. Sullivan, and B. B. Baty. An apology for absence was received from Dr W. McKay. The Traffic Inspector (Mr A. J. ■Sfoss) was also present by invitation.. The annual report (as published in Wednesday’s “Star”) was read. In moving its adoption, Mr Harker said the Association had covered a lot of ground, and the Coast roads generally were being much improved, the corners being taken off and the width increased where possible. The Associa■fiuir’s representatives met the Main Highways Board at Kumara Junction, and pointed, put various dangerous spots. He was pleased to say that a grant had been allotted to the Greymouth. County. Council, and the im- , worlc Was being gone on wit’fi. It was the main highway to the South, and the work was very necessary. The fepresenaions made to the Board had met with very good results. One i>lace that really needed attention was the Spring Creek Crossing at Kamaka, and the Association was “drumming away” at the authorises. ft was pleasing to know that the work o'f the Association was being appfeci'a’ted, and that several motorists' had voluntarily joined during the year. “A Ipt of motorists are enjoying the benefits bf the Association,” continued Mr Harley, “yet they stand by and ride upon the other fellow’ back, which is not a commendable action. Somb people own cars to. the yajtie of £7OO dr £Boo, but are too tight to spend a guinea and join the Association, and make the roads safer for pedestrians and themselves.”

He went on to Say that the South Island x Motor Union’s insurance ■scheme was going ahead by leaps and bounds, and a considerable reduction had been made in the charges. The parent Association deserved every credit for the scheme. The insurance scheme had only been in existence about two years, yet there was already ;a reserve .of dvei ; £Bopp. Be invited the opinion, bf members regarding fthe Association’s work, , ~Mr .B. askqd' if anything m'dre had been done with reference to the bridging of the Punakaiki River. . Afr Bunt said that; tenders had been inyited for Mr,Barker sajd\.fie understood that the : timber fiad been ordered.

“Possijbly the ha f rdwood,” said Mi’ Bunt, “bfit not the local timber.” It c|epjded. to make further reto the authorities, with thcL.o’b’jject 9f speeding up the work. Mr. P. Hambleton seconded the adoption of the annual report, and this wak agreed to.

Financial defaulters Speaking in connection with the financial position 6f the Greymouth branch’, Mr. Barley said there were over 20'0 members, but he regretted ■ tq say that during the past two years the finances ha'd not been what they should be. Arrears of subscriptions amounted to about £123. That should not! be so. Some of the members could afford to drive their cars, but did not seem able to afford their subscription to the Association. There -was no getting away from the fact that the Association gave all motorists good service. They had only to compare the state of the roads seven or eight years ago, with what they were to-day. It was surprising to find among the financial defaulters, many people in. good positions. If they did not pay up, the main Association should take the bull by the horns, as it did in Canterbury _a few years ago, and summons them." They were only riding on the other fellows’, backs. Mr. J. Hambleton stated that an exmember had expressed the opinion to him that the members of a sub-Asso-ciation like Greymouth should not have to pay the same subscription as members paid in Christchurch, where there were greater advantages, including club' rooms and' cheaper petrol. , “A guinea should not be quibbled at,” said Mr. Harker.

Mr. Harley pointed put that if a member went on tour he would save a guinea in a few days, by hotel concessions alone. Every bad corner taken, off the road benefited motorists. Surely it was worth a guinea. The Christchurch Club rooms were available to visiting members. For every £1 the members of the Greymouth Association put in, £5 was spent on the roads. The Canterbury Association was always battling for the Coasters. The Canterbury President had told him that more public money was spent on the West Coast roads than in any other part of the South Island, and he believed that. If Greymouth motorists were not affiliated, they would be very small fry. The Marlborough . Association had found that out, and it had no money to carry on with. Greymouth was fortunate in being joined up with the Canterbury Association.

Mr. Baty asked how the decrease in membership was accounted for. Mr. Harley said he could only take it that motorists were satisfied with the way things were going. If there was any trouble, they were around quickly with picks and shovels, wanting the Association to dig into it for them! “THIS STAG BUSINESS!” Mr. Baty poiiited out that the membership had decreased, and he wanted to find out whether the officers could say why members were not paying their dues. A very old member had told him that day that he was “chucking it up,” as he thought all the reading and bridging had been done, and that there was no further need for the Association. It was considered that 'the Highways Board was rendering the Association needless. Mr. Baty said he believed that the Association should if possible do something with regard to entertainment, and bring the members together. He had suggested two years ago that they should get the women

interested in the Association. “This stag business is no good!” he declared emphatically. “We have proved that. We will never get anywhere with it. We are a cold kind of a crowd. Get the womenfolk along, and put some enthusiasm into the thing. Make them members, too. We have no women members.” Mr. Harley mentioned the names of two women members. Mr. Baty said that an annual dance

would be popular. Mr. Harley said that the Association’s picnic had been a success. “The banquet at Revington’s Hotel. “The the best 1 have been to for a long Time,” he added, humorously. “I had one undertaker on my right, and another on my left. They were both looking at me, but I have not gone yet! We had a piano, but no one to play it!”

Mr. Baty said the members should get together and “nut out” something. If they got the womenfolk interested, they would get more men. There was no doubt that the Association was drooping off. It had done splendid work, and he did not see why it should be allowed to drop.

> Mr. Harker stated that had it not been for the Association bringing matters before the Highways Board in April, nothing would have been done. Mr. Harley declared that the Highways Board would soon run roughshod over them if the Association went out of existence. Mr. J. Hambleton said there seemed to be an impression that the Board was doing the work of the Association. “There is more need for the Association now .thaju ever there was,” said Mr. Harker, i In’ reply t f6‘ Mr. Bunt, Mr. Harley said that the amount of the 'annual subscription was the same in other districts.

i Mr. Bunt said that seemed to be the answer to the point raised by the exmember mentioned by Mr. J. Hambleton. The subscription was fixed by the parent' Association, and the Greymouth branch could do nothing. Mr. Antwiss expressed the opinion that unfinancial members should be advised that their subscriptions were overdue. They might come up to scratch. Mr. Harley replied that notices had been sent out. Some members were three years in arrears, and the majority two years. The Association was incorporated, and could take legal action to recover subscriptions. Notices and accounts were sent out a month ago on the last occasion. Well-known men around Greymoutfi should have paid up. Mr. Bunt: I think that when people are owing for two years they should be sued.

Mr. Harley presented the < “black list” for inspection. He explained that the financial accounts were sent out by the Canterbury Association. In future, the Greymouth branch would receive a half-yearly statement. Mr. Baty: Surely they are all honourable men. How would it be to place the matter in the hands of a debt collector? Mr. Harker said that some men might not trouble to write a cheque for £4/1/-, whereas they might write one for £lOO.

Mr. Harley said / th’ere were 35 or 40 unfinancial members.

Mr. Harker moved that the matter be placed in the hand’s of a collector.

Mr. Bbnt: Is it nof a matter for the Canterbury Association? Mr. Harley said thaf the Greymouth branch had the necessary authority.

The resolution was seconded by Mr. J. Hambleton, and carried. In reflly to Mr Baty, the secretary said that social functions had been arranged several times, but were unsuccessful, and it was disheartening. On one occasion, when 50 or 60 guests were arranged for, only a dozen attended.

Mi' Bunt expressed the opinion that a banqu'et was the wrong sort of function to attract a good attendance.

Mr-Harker: We had two doctors and two Undertakers! (Laughter). Mr P. Hambleton suggested the appointment of a social committee, with Mr Baty as Chairman. “Some less busy man and a better ladies’ man than I will' have to take that on,” said Mr Baty. “I am the second busiest man on the West Coast. I am doing my best to keep everything going!,”. Mr Bunt said that something should be done. A picnic next summer would break the fee and bring members together. Euchre tournaments and dances might be put on next winter. A recommendation to this effect was made to the new committee.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. In relinquishing the position of President, Mr Harker said he would like to see Dr McKay appointed. He had done a lot of good work in the past, and was an enthusiastic member. Mr Harley said that during his term of two years as President, Mr Harker had done excellent work, and he would like to see him re-elected. Mr Harker declined with thanks, and moved that Dr McKay be elected. This was seconded by Mr Baty and carried unanimously. Mr E. McDonnell was elected vicepresident. Mr Harley was re-elected secretary, Mr Harker stating that he had held the position for some years, and his work was appreciated by every member of the Association, both on the Coast and in Canterbury. It was decided to vote Mr Harley a. bonus of £7/7/-. The following committee was elected:—Messrs Harker, Bunt, J. Hambleton, Sampson, Sullivan, James, and P. Hambleton.

Three new members were elected Messrs R. C. Haldane, J. P. Irvine, and F. B. Lawn.

RED REFLECTORS

The regulations in regard to red reflectors on the rear of motor vehicles were, at the request of the Chairman, explained by Mr. Sloss. Mr. Harley said that New Zealand was the only part of the world where such a requirement was made. The Canterbury Association and the South Island Motor Union were both taking the matter up with the’Government, but he was afraid protests would be “like throwing water on a. duck’s back.” There were millions of cars in the United States, but reflectors wore not required there. Mr. Sloss said that the reflector was really an emergency attachment, in the event of the tail-light failing to act. Mr. Bunt: The tail-light glass would reflect, anyway. “Oh, well,” said Mr. Harley, “you, know what these fellows are; they have got to keep their jobs warm!”

Mr. Sloss stated that some of the reflectors being offered for sale did not reflect, and the public were being ex-

ploited. He had condemned several kinds of. alleged reflectors. He considered that the position as to the reflectors should be made clear to the public. Mr. Baty said that, in a district like the Coast, the reflectors would soon 'be covered with mud, and would be useless., The regulations seemed pretty far-fetched and ridiculous. All peolc could do, however, was to obey the law.

Mr. Sullivan (to Mr. Sloss): Do you I thiiik the reflectors are necessary ? “No, I don’t,” replied Mr. Sloss. “I bet the regulations have given Mr. Sloss a headache before to-day,’’ commented Mr. J. Hambleton. • “Too right!” replied the Traffic Inspector, feelingly. SPEED’ FIENDS. Mr Harley .reported that he had requested the Canterbury Association to ask its members who toured the Coast, to give Coasters a fair share of the roads, which were not so wide as those in Canterbury. Mr Sloss stated that, during his four years as Traffic Inspector, he had found that the Coast drivers were all right. Most, of the accidents were caused by drivers from other parts of New Zealand, who apparently forgot they were on narrow roads.’ One visitor drove along the Paroa Road and passed another car at the speed of 35 miles per hour, but maintained that he was only doing 15 miles per hour. That, was their idea of speed, and yet many visitors condemned the Coast roads. If they cut their speeding out, they would not run off the roads.

Mr Harley declared that the members of the Highways Board travelled up the Grey Valley at 50 guiles per hour, yet they were supposed to be inspecting the roads! Mr Sloss said that the speed fiends did not realise how they were tempting death.

Mr Baty: It has always struck me that a very kind. Providence looks after these fellows. It has often been said that, the Lord looks after fools and children, and there is nd doubt about if. f

Mr Harley remarked, amidst laughter that boozers also seemed to be looked after. Some drunken drivers got hung up in places where, had they been sober, they would have been killed. RAPAHOE RUBBISH DUMP. The Runanga Borough Council wrote requesting the assistance of the Association in having the rubbish dump at the roadside ’near the entrance to the James Mine, Rapahoe, covered over before the summer months, as the . locality was near a popular picnicking ground, and the dump was an eyesore. The necessary material was at hand, and no great expense was,involved. Mr Harley .stated that the matter was one for tfle attention of the Runanga Eorough Council or the Grey County Council, whichever was, responsible. It was also “up to” the people of the locality. Mr Harker said he did not think the Association should move in the matter. They had already given £l5 to- . wards road formation at Rapahoe. On the motion of Mr P. Hambleton, seconded by Mr Antwiss, it was. decided that the “moral support” Of the Association be given. , ’ MISCELLANEOUS. Oil the motion of Mr Bunt, seconded by Mr Harker, it was resolved that the action of the Canterbury Association in endeavouring to lower the price of petrol be endorsed, as it is considered that the oil companies have too great a monopoly at present. In reply to Mr Bunt, (the Secretary said that the provision of cheaper petrol for Greymouth members was still under consideration. After references to the enormous profits of the oil companies, Mr Harley remarked that it was no wonder they could keep so many fat representatives walking around doing nothing ! It was difficult to get at the oil octopus. Mr Bunt said the only remedy was complete co-operation of motorisi the Automobile Associations.

Mr James : It is no good waiting until these rocket cars come out (Laughter). Several dangerous places were referred to, including the side road leading from the main road to Boustridge’s mine, near Brunner; the bottom of the hill near* Runanga; the sharp turn near Stillwater, wffiere the road goes under the bridge. It was decided tc endeavour to have the improvements effected. Mr Sloss stated that manure from Coburn’s cowyard at Marsden was being placed on the roadside, and was very offensive. He had communicated with the Health Officer.

It was decided to support Mr Sloss’s protest, and to communicate with the Grey County Council. Mr Baty urged that further efforts be made to secure the completion of the road from Kumara Junction to Awatuna, which would shorten the distance between Greymouth and Hokitika.

After considerable discussion, it was decided that a deputation should visit Hokitika next Wednesday, to confer with the Hokitika Association on this and other subjects of mutual interest, the deputation to consist of Dr McKay and Messrs Harker, P. Hambleton, Baty, and Bunt. On the motion of Mr Bunt, seconded by Mr P. Hambleton, it was resolved that the matter of the attitude adopted by the police at Greymouth be referred to the executive, with instructions to take any action deemed necessary. This resolution was the outcome of a. discussion in committee. It was decided to send letters of appreciation to the Borough, County and Public Works Engineers, for their assistance to the Association. A vote of thanks was accorded .to Mr Harker, for the use of liis rooms.