AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 7 October 1924, Page 4

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.

MANAIA FORMS BRANCH. The delegation from Hawera met residents of Manaia at the Oddfellows’ Hall last night, and after some discussion _ a resolution to form a branch, was carried without dissent. Mr E. Long was voted to the chair, and after briefly explaining the object of the meeting, asked Dr. Thomsen to address those present. Dr. Thomson briefly outlined the scheme mooted by the association to enrol branches in every centre in South Taranaki, stressing the need of every district following suit, so that motorists throughout the Dominion could speak unitedly on any subject of interest. He spoke on the same lines as at Opunake, and emphasised that the association wished to co-operate with the Police Department and the local bodies in improving conditions for the motoring public. Dr. McGhie gave information concerning the concessions allowed by hotelkeepers in neaVly every centre. Mr A. G. Bennett, after asking some questions and getting a satisfactory reply thereto, moved the resolution to form a branch. This was seconded by Mr Innes and carried. The latter then moved the election of the following as officials: President, Mr E. Long; vice-presidents. Messrs Bennett and Armitage; executive, Messrs Hobday, Innes, Freeman and Hansen. These gentlemen were duly elected. Mr E. P. Cox congratulated Manaia on forming a brand), and assured them they were going to reap much benefit. He urged the committee to get into touch with the motoring people, and said that this would result in roping in many new members. He said it was gratifying to find such live energetic men in the Waimnte West County Council, and added that- they had prepaired the way for the association Mr Walkley added a tribute to’the council and to the engineer, Mr Hansen. for the wonderful, roads and bridges, and said that motorists owed them a debt of everlasting gratitude. Mr Long, in acknowledging the tribute, said that the settlers had to pay oretty heavy rates, but they were able “O secure these good roads hv rates alone without tolls.

A hearty vote of thanks to the visitors from Hawera. and one to the chairman for presiding concluded a satisfactory meeting.