MOTOR UNION

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 10065, 1 August 1925, Page 4

MOTOR UNION

CONFERENCE OF NORTH ISLAND ASSOCIATIONS.

SPEED LIMIT AND NCMBER ELATE PROBLEM/

P2ESS ASSOCIATION.I

AUCKLAND. July 31

A conference of the North. Island Motor Union opened, . Mr W . H. Booth presiding. The report states that seven associations are affiliated. The Motor Vehicles Act and the regulations as to the issue of licenses and registration plates were apparently giving satisfaction, it was hoped now that the traffic regulations would cover many of the Union’s requests. The balance-sheet showed £ICS 13s to be carried forward.

The abolition of all speed limits on New Zealand roads was advocated, speakers pointing out- that the interest of the public safety would be adequately met with less confusion to motorists by the existing clause in the Police Offences Act imposing penalties for driving to 'the common danger. It was decided to urge the Government to amend the Municipal Corporations Act by taking away from local bodies all power to impose speed limits, which would be thus abolished.

'J he conference debated the quest'on ot suitability of the motor number plates, and decided to affirm the Union’s satisfaction with the present system. The Auckland and Wellington delegates pointed out that the sj'stem of changing the color of the nlatcs annually was more egective than any other was in ensuring the payment of registration fees, and incidentally through the revenue from which the roads were to Benefit. There was reason to believe improved legibility would be secured next year, and there was a good prospect of the contract- for the plates being placed in New Zealand instead of America. It was decided to ask the Government to introduce legislation giving power to the chief traffic inspectors to deal with undefended motor bylaw cases and impose fines according to an official schedule, thus saying motorists the necessity of appearing before the Courts unless they pieacl not guilty.

The following officials were elected: Presidents: Dr. G. E. Porritt and Mr A. Grayson; secretary, Mr H. J. Stott; executive, Messrs' L. A. Edwards, W. Howard Booth, B. L. Donne. C. N. Banks, A. C. Blanev, H. E. Jones, W. O’Callaghan. The next half-yearly conference will be held in Wellington and the next annual confeernee at New Plymouth.