AUTOMOBILE INTERESTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 26 November 1924, Page 2

AUTOMOBILE INTERESTS.

SOUTH TARANAKI ASSOCIATION. DEPUTATION FROM NEW PLYMOUTH.

TWO BODIES FAVOURED.

The executive of the South Taranaki Association have been very actively consolidating all the parts of their district with a vie ay to making their union as complete as possible. To further this objective they have formed branches at Opunake, Manaia, Elthahi and Patea in addition, to Hawera, all under the one association. Yesterday there were two meetings of delegates from each branch to consider various matters of general interest, and specially a proposal from North Taranaki .that the two associations should amalgamate under the name of the Taranaki Association. Delegates were present from every branch but Manaia, and the matters submitted to them were very fully discussed. Dr. Thomson (president) was in the chair, and there were also present Messrs Cox, O’Callaghan, Tonks, Duffill,' Walldey (secretary) representing Hawera, Honeyfield, Sheild and Hamel (Patea), Tristram and Crump (Eltham), Stephenson and Lyttle (Opunake). Apologies were received from Messrs O’Dea, McGhie, Jones, Edmonds and Long. In the afternoon the delegates discussed the proposal for amalgamation, and resolved to give no decision until they heard the delegate from New Plymouth.

At the evening meeting Mr Val. Duff, from New Plymouth,, attended to put the proposition from their point of view. He first apologised for the unavoidable absence of the other delegate appointed. He then put forward the views of his association, stressing specially the need for the whole of Taranaki speaking with one voice through one association on any matters of general interest, and said'that the motoring interests of the province would in their opinion be best served in this way. 'They also urged that, only one form of badge would be necessary. On these grounds they therefore suggested an . amalgamation of north and south. They added that it would not be necessary for. either to lose their identity, and each district could deal with local matters. After some discussion it was resolved that the South Taranaki Association were of opinion that the interests of the province would best be served by two associations, and therefore are not prepared to amalgamate. They will, however, be prepared to 00-operate with the north in all matters affecting the welfare of .motorists. A further resolution was carried that in-view of the incorporation of-Vthe South Taranaki Association dating from 1914 this meeting is of opinion that it not desirable to alter the title, and suggests’that the original titles —North and South Taranaki—he adhered to. OTHER BUSINESS.

Toll-gates—Resolved, that in the opinion of this association toll-gates should be abolished as soon as the Main Highways Act comes into force. Safety First—This proposal was strongly supported* and as a first move in the matter it was resolved to approach the head teachers of the schools with a view to getting them to talk to the children oh the necessity of caution and care when going along roads. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Duff for coming from New Plymouth was carried by acclamation. A vote of thanks to the chairman and the A. and P. Association for use of room concluded a useful- and good meeting.