MOTORISTS CONFER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 1 August 1925, Page 5

MOTORISTS CONFER.

SPEED LIMITS AND NUMBERS. CBT TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION AUCKLAND, July 31. The annual conference of the North Island Motor Union opened here today. Mr W. H. Both, the president, m his report, states that seven motor associations are affiliated. The Motor Vehicles Act and the regulations as to the issue of licenses and registration plates were apparently giving satisfaction. It was hoped that the new traffic regulations would cover many of the union’s 'requests. The balance-sheet showed £IOB 13s to be carried forward. The abolition of all speed limits on New Zealand roads was advocated, speakers pointing out that the interests of public safety would be ademet with less eonfuion to motorists by an existing clause in the Police Offences Act imposing penalties for driving to the common danger. It was decided to urge the Government to amend the Municipal Corporations Act by taking away from local bodies aP power to impose speed limits, which would thu„ be abolished. Tlie conference debated the question of the suitability of motor number plates, and decided to affirm rthe union’s satisfaction with the present system. The Auckland and Wellington cle'egates pointed out that a system of changing the colour of plates annually was more effective than any other in ensuring payment of registration fees, and, incidentally, the revenue from which roads were to benefit. There was reason to believe that improved legibility would be secured next year, and there was good prospect of the contract for plates being placed in New Zealand intsead of America. It was decided to ask the Government to introduce legislation giving power to chief traffic inspectors to deal with undefended motor by-law case ß and impose fines according to an official schedule, thus saving motorists the necessity of appearing before the courts unless to plead. The following officers were elected President. Mr A. Toogood; vice-presi-dents, Dr. E. E. Porritt and Mr A. Grayson; secretary. Mr H. J. Stott; executive. Messrs L. A. Edwards. IV. Howard Booth. D. L. Bonne, C. N Banks. A. C. Blaney, H. C. Jones and W. O’Callaghan. The next batf-vearly conference will be held at Wellington and the next annual conference at New Plymouth.