Conference of Automobilists.

Hastings Standard, Volume XI, Issue 5551, 24 July 1907, Page 4

Conference of Automobilists.

A conference of automobilists, representing different clubs in the colony, is to be held in Wellington on Saturday, 27th inst., and Monday, 29th inst., when several important matters will be considered. The conference is to be consider the question of forming a New Zealand Automobile Association, combining all the clubs, or a New Zealand Motor Union, independent of the present clubs. A circular issued jointly by the presidents of the Wellington and the Canterbury Associations states : "There are now numerous clubs in the colony, but the individual membership being relatively small, we are of opinion that a combined association or union of all automobilists would do more for the advancement of automobolism than independent action by the various clubs. Most of the important matters requiring attention are of general rather than of local interest; and it is therefore desirable that they should be dealt with by a collective association. Some local bodies have already passed unreasonable and unnecessary bye-laws in regard to motor traffic, and there is a growing tendency also in Parliament to go further, and unless a united stand is made to protect our rights, many unreasonable and irritating laws may be passed. Among other important matters requiring combined action are the improvement of portions of some main roads, removal of dangerous corners, the erection of bridges, better facilities for the conveyance of motor cars by rail by special alterations of some trucks and platforms, reductions in freight by boat; arranging to avoid deposit duty on cars taken to Australia during a holiday ; the formation of a defence fund for actions at law, and generally the undertaking of work in the interest of automobilism, which can be successfully discharged only by a stroi g and united body."