AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1941, Page 3

AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

MONTHLY MEETING. Mr. P. C. Heaphy (President), was m the chair at the monthly meeting of the Greymouth Branch of the Canterbury Automobile Association last evening. There were also present Messrs E. McDonnell, F. N. Whitmore, S. B. Quintrell, B. W. Caulton, V. Jacobs, Dr. W. McKay and the Secretary (Mi'. W. F. Harley). The Greymouth Borough Council advised that the reconstruction of High Street, between Sawyer's Creek and Buccleugh Street, would be considered in the 1941-42 estimates.

The Grey County Engineer (Mr. J. Higgins), advised that the old Marsden Road was now in a fair state of repair. A member, Mr. F. W. Stephens, Waiuta, wrote complaining of the presence of horses on the Kumara’ road after the Kumara xiaces, one horse having kicked and dented his car.

The Secretary’s reply was approved. In it he said that the general rule was that horses kept to the right hand side of the road.

Mr. McDonnell said that it was a difficult matter. There would be a great deal of traffic and motorists had to proceed carefully. Dr. McKay said that a car had to pass on the side of the person leading a horse. A horse should be led on the right hand side.

Mr. Whitmore said that too frequently horses were led back from Omoto in the centre of the road.

Mr. McDonnell said that horses were all led on the left side of the road from the Kumara races. The P —- : dent said his own inquiries showed that to be the position. There was no regulation apparently, and it was the general practice although it was dangerous. Dr. McKay said that the horse owner should not expect a motorist to do circus tricks to pass his horse. The President said that he understood that the matter had been discussed previously in Christchurch. The stock or horse driver had apparently the first right, and motorists had to slow down before deciding on which side to pass. The matter could be discussed with the Canterbury Association.

The Canterbury Automobile Association advised that it was considered opportune to push the development of the Maruia Springs. The camping ground was satisfactory except for access by road. It was suggested that the Springs and buildings could be taken over by the Government as a place for returned wounded soldiers.

In reply to Dr. McKay, the Chairman said the Springs were owned by the Government and leased to the Morris family. The Chairman said that the Association could only recommend, the Public Works Department to take the matter up with a view to improving access. It was left to the President and Secretary to interview the Department concerning the matter. The S.I. Motor Union advised that the Government would not guarantee that there would be no change in the petrol allocation after the relicensing period. The Canterbury A.A. advised that 234 members were outstanding in subscriptions, 63 being more than a '.ear overdue. The Secretary said that times, were hard and it was difficult to get subscriptions. The Secretary reported that the P. and T. Department had decided to retain the telephone on Otira Gorge probably till after the war. Mr. Caulton said the white lines in the Grey Valley were becoming obscured.

The Chairman said he had received complaints, particularly on .the Dobson straight, in foggy weather. Coal Creek fiat was also the cause of complaint. They needed renewing. It was decided to make representations to have the lines renewed. Mr. McDonnell said that white lines were needed on the edge of footpaths in Greymouth. The Chairman: Do we want them to cross at all places? The Secretary said that all Christchurch corners and inter-sections were being done. ' The Chairman said it would be a big job to do all the town, particularly as the use of crossings was being encouraged. The black-out was severe in Greymouth and motoring was becoming difficult on Friday nights. People were using the pedestrian crossings more since the black-out started. Mr. McDonnell said the Post Office steps at the corner of Guinness and Tainui Streets were the cause of many accidents. , The Chairman said the Association was not the Chamber of Commerce and footpaths did not come within their scope. The Albert and Tarapuhi Street crossings were particularly dangerous and lights were needed as there was no signal system. , .. Dr. McKay said that he felt the railway engine lights were easier to pick up with the reduced lighting. The approach at Tara’puhi Street was in bad condition and a white post was needed. The Buller Branch extended an invitation to members to attend any of its meetings whilst visiting Westport. The Secretary reported that the road to the Brunner Bridge was now in fairly good order. In reply to Mr. Caulton, the Chairman said that there was no information about motor car lighting regulations. Mr. McDonnell said that the crossing at O'Meara’s at Totara Flat was much improved, blit a white rail 01 direction arrow would make the corner safe at night. Mr. Caulton said the Kumara Railwav crossing was in bad order. ft was decided to make representations to the Railway Department. Mr. J’acobs said that he understood children were being taught to walk on the right side of roads without footpaths. He asked if the use of the right hand was a rule or not. i The Secretary said the code hook provided for the right hand. it should be enforced. Dr. McKay said that walking . on the right hand side near corners with bad visibility was definitely dangerous, both to motorists and pedestrians. He asked if it would be called a safe method. The Secretary said that the code

provided for walking on the right onl.v if there was a clear view ahead. Dr. McKay: That settles it.

The Chairman said in reply to Mr. Quintrell, that all members, drivers and motorists not in the Home Guard or National Reserve, were required to register a's drivers at the Town Hall. All instructions as to what to do would be given as the district had been zoned. There were three meeting places in the town.