AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

Grey River Argus, 14 December 1937, Page 6

AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

GREY BRANCH MEETING. At the monthly meeting of the Greymouth branch of the Canterbury Automobile Association last evening, there were present: Messrs G. R. Harker (president), R. T. Smith, P. C. Heaphy, M. J. Fogarty, J. Higgins, W. P. Hambleton, A. J. Fairmaid, J. Smith, Captain Iles, and the secretary (Mr W. F. Harley). The chairman said that the hump on the Kaihinu crossing had not yet been removed. It was very dangerous. On his motioh, it was decided that another letter be sent to the Public Works Department on the matter. The Minister of .Transport, Hon. R. Semple, in reply to the Association’s letter, said that the matter of having an officer stationed at Teremakau bridge and closing the bridge at the approach of all trains would soon be put into effect by the Railways Department. The Minister of Public Works advised that the Main Highways Board was cognisant of the position with regard to the erosion of the main highway at Barrytown. Mr Higgins said that he interviewed Mr Semple when in Wellington on November 26, and he then promised a survey of a new route. ■ The Public Works Department advised that it was hoped to bridge Halpin’s Creek on the Otira Gorge next year, and therefore it would not be desirable to put in a concrete bottom. The secretary said that complaints had been received about the state of the Dillmanstown road, which had a lot of shingle placed on it. It had since had clay put on it, and his somewhat consolidated the material. It was decided to support ‘he 'Southland Association in its suggestion that a “major road ahead” sign was a more desirable sign than “main road” or “main highway ahead.” The Canterbury Automobile Association advised that the next meeting of the South Island Moto r Ur ion would be held at Greymouth about i the end of February or early in ! March. It was decided to take no action in connection with a proposal to have a loud speaker installed on the patrol officer’s car for the Christmas period. COMPLAINT AT PETROL RISE. A letter was received from a Wai-, uta member of the Association complaining at the- rises in the price of petrol. The chairman said that the increase was a burning question. It seemed that they should not have to pay this extra imposition, although it was not up in Christchurch and most other parts, where the price of petrol was Is lid per gallon. He could not see why the price of petrol was not on a flat rate throughout New Zealand. Cars were sold at a flat rate throughout New Zealand, and if the motor concerns could do this, the petrol companies could do it also. He thought that they should make representations to the Motor Unions and the Department of Industries and Commerce. The petrol was 2s 4d and 2s 5d per gallon now in these parts. Mr Heaphy said there was no indication as to why these prices were increased from time to time. The increase meant an enormous profit. The secretary said that 25,000 gallons a week were brought to Greymouth. There was no price fixation here as in the four main centres. The secretary said that it was claimed that it cost 3d per gallon to bring petrol from Christchurch to Greymouth. It could be sold much cheaper, he said, at Arthur’s Pass, than at Greymouth. Mr Heaphy moved that the matter be referred to the Minister of Industries and Commerce and the C-4-A.

The motion was carried. The secretary said that, .no doubt, the Railways Department was getting away with a nice little sum in freight each week. The chairman said that the engineer was to be complimented on his job in Tainui Street. He suggested that material be placed on the 'side, and a white mark be put down for cyclists to define where cyclists were required to ride. Mr Fogarty said that the practice was common among cyclists of riding three and four abreast. Mr Smith said that there was a law against such practices now. The secretary referred to some sharp corners on the Mitchells Road, and it was difficult to pass big lorries. Mr Higgins said that he had not done any work in this direction, so as not to sacrifice the natural beautv. He would keep the matter steadily in view. The secretary said that it was gratifying to find that a further 20 members had joined up voluntarily since the last meeting. Regarding the requests for a change pf the sound of the horn on the railcar, the secretary said that he understood that tests were now being carried out by the Railways Department. The secretary said that there was increasing traffic from Cowper Street along Turumaha Street now, and he suggested that an outrigger be placed on the bridge at the junction of these two streets for pedestrian traffic. A lot of school children went home along this route. The chairman extended season’s greetings to members. The increase

of 53 members indicated that the efforts of the Association were appreciated. The year had been a most successful one, and he wished to thank the secretary and members for their loyal co-operation. They were particularly indebted to the engineers for their courtesy and assistance at all times.