ASSOCIATED MOTORISTS

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 28 January 1933, Page 2

ASSOCIATED MOTORISTS

SOUTH DISTRICT. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETS

The first monthly meeting *of the general committee of the South Taranaki Automobile Association for 1933 was held at the Borough Council Chambers in Hawera- last evening. The president, Mr G. A. Carter, of Stratford, occupied the chair, and also in attendance were Messrs, R. IT. Leece, W. A. Spragg, G. J. Bayley, \Y. O’Callaghan and W. O'. Williams (Hawera). G. H. P. Fitzgerald (Elthain), W. A. Bett-s and B. Rawles (Stratford), Dr. W. T. Simmons (Patea) and the secretary (Mr W. G. Walkley). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs J. A. Duffill and S. C. Tonics' (Hawera), T. B. Crump (Eltliam). W. E. Williams (Stratford) and 0. R. Honeyfield (Patea) In connection with the dangerous approach to the Ball .Road railway crossing the secretary reported: that he had approached the District Manager of Railways and it was possible that the cutting hack of the hanks on either side of the road to give a- better view of the line would: ho undertaken by the unemployed. In the meantime and pending a definite re-plv in. the matter it was not- proposed to make any further representation to the Patea County Council. Dr. Simmons remarked' that according to a- report of its last meeting the council also was in communication with the Railways Department requesting that the work he done.

FREE LEGAL DEFENCE. Free legal, defence to financial members of the association was the subject of a, report of the sub-committee consisting of Messrs Fitzgerald and Bayley and the president and secretary set up at tho last meeting to consider the matter. The sub-committee recommended that the fee for undefended eases be 10s 6d and for defended case-s £1 Is, a special fee to he paid in special cases where such was justified in the opinion of the association. On the motion of Mr Spragg, seconded by Dr. Simmons, the -recommendation was adopted. The secretary reported l that 39 school traffic patrols had been formed and 79 badges issued, prior to the closing of the schools for the summer vacation. Lectures had been given by the service officer on “Safety First” principles, but Mr McKee still had 30 or. more additional schools in the association’s district where patrols had yet to be formed.

Members considered that the patrols, whose duty it was to control the movements of children at road and street crossings before and after -school, was an excellent innovation. It was decided' to watch the experiment closely when the schools reopened and to furnish a report to the North IslandMotor Union at- the next half-yearly meeting. A report, was received in connection with the new _ motor camp' at the Manaia Domain. The grounds were nicely laid out with excellent -shelter, and there was a pavilion in which electric* light, cold showers, wash-hand basin', conveniences and cooking facilities were installed. It- was remarked that the Manaia Domain was ail ideal spot for a- motor camp and the chairman expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided.

SERVICES APPRECIATED

“On the occasion of Sir Charles Kings ford Smith’s visit to the Wanganui airport the traffic control brought forth great praise from all the motorists, who appreciated the handy arrangements which permitted them to gain access to the airport with a minimum waste of time or inconvenience,” stated the 'Wanganui Aero, -Club in a letter to the association. “This remarkable state of efficiency in control wa,s brought about largely by .the efforts of your service officer, and this club expresses its appreciation of his valuable assistance.” Similar expressions of appreciation of the services rendered by the service officer were received from the Patea Beach Improvement Society, Hawera Savage Club, New Plymouth Aero Club and the Kaupokonui Beacli Improvement Societv.

Two bends on the Normanby-Okai-awai Road near the power station were mentioned by Mr Leece as being sufficiently dangerous to warrant white traffic lines on the bitumen road surface. It was resolved that tlie service officer approach the ‘ITa-wera county engineer in that connection.

The resignation of Mr N. H. Moss (Stratford) as a. member of the association and also of the committee, was accepted l with regret. Similarly ~tlie resignation of Mr Andrew Chrystal. a„s a member of the Association was accented with regret. The secretary stated that the halfyearly meeting of tlie North Island Motor Union would be held, in "Wellington on February 7 and it was necessary to appoint one delegate to represent the association. It was resolved that the president attend the meeting. SERVICE, OFFICER’S REPORT.

“During tlie month I gave service on the roads to 75 motorists, and a large percentage of these were visiting motorists. On night patrol I gave service to 27 motorists,” stated the service officer in liis report. “During the holiday season I cleared from the roads 10 lots of broken glass, four lots of boxthorn and three lots of nails. Only four signs have been slightly damaged. It- was reported to me that two boys were caught throwing stones at signs on the corner of Manawapou and Fairfield Roads. I interviewed tlie parents and pointed out that the children had committed’ a very serious offence, and if the. executive wished the boys could be brought Ibefore the Juvenile Court. I was given a promise that the boys would never throw stones at signs again, and I feel sure that they won’t. Fortunately the, sign was not badly damaged. On December 25 I attended the Kaupokonui Beach gala. There were 118 cars parked on the parking area, at tho beach, and I gave service to five members. On, the same day 1 went in the afternoon to New Plymouth races and gave service to four members on the road. On December 27 I attended the New Plymouth races and gave service to 1 three members on the road. On January 2 I went to the Patea, Beach gala .and helped park cars and control traffic. I gave service to five cars. On tlie same day in the afternoon I went to the -Stratford races and on January 3 I was on duty at the Stratford races. Oil the first day 802 cars were parked and on tho second 755. For both days wo gave service to 59 motorists, and on. tlie road to and from Ilawera I gave service to seven cars. Oil January 11, 13 and 14 T gave service at the Beil Block aerodrome, and: on the day of the arrival of Kingsford Smith there were 11.00 cars parked. On the road I gave service to 15 motorists. On January 23 I went to the Wanganui aerodrome and attended to the parking of cars and controlled traffic on the parking ground, where we parked 1350 cars. Tlie ground was

very sandy and I assisted' 34 drivers to get their cars out. On January 25, as requested, I attended the Kaupokonui Beach gala, where I parked cars and gave other help. On the parking ground and at the top of the hill there were approximately 150 cars. I gave service to four motorists.

SAFETY FIRST. “Prior to the holidays I visited 38 schools and gave talks to the children,” the report continued. “This service is appreciated by the teachers and children, and I have been asked to continue these talks' at regular intervals. I suggested to many of the teachers that it would: be a good idea to invite the parents to the school on the day I gave my talk to the children, and the teachers thought it a good idea. Altogether I appointed 74 school patrols, and these patrols l are doing good work. I suggest to all motorists when passing a school to slow down. Many motorists: travel too fast when passing schools, and in doing so they might quite easily injure a child coming out of school. I have approximately 32 schools to visit in oui" territory.

“During the holidays l I was in attendance at the office and gave information to 172 Automobile Association members about road conditions and routes. Many of them X persuaded to have ado ole at places of beauty in South Taranaki. Twenty-eight motoring parties l visited Tangarakau; Gorge. Many of them consider this one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand. The road is at present in good driving condition. Many of our members have been touring in the South Island, and have expressed delight with- their trip and the Automobile Association sexvice. CAMP SITES. “I have visited the motor camps on various occasions. A large number of motorists from both islands and a number from England have been, camping in our well-equipped grounds. Those whom I have met have told me that they are delighted with our camps and with the attention given them by the caretakers. These men eater for the comfort of the visitors, aiming at all times to make their stay happy and comfortable. The grounds and buildings are being kept in firstclassl order and reflect credit on those in charge. Hereunder are the numbers who have camped in local grounds: Hawera, 185 (125 pulled in ;or meals only) ; ELtham, 57; Ngaere, •51; Stratford, 105; Patea, 45 (51 pulled in for meals); Manaia, 5j Te Ngutu, 9. These figures are an increase on previous years, and show that the camps' are increasing in popularity. Manaia Domain is now on the list of camp sites. This is well equipped and will prove to be a very popular camping ground. The be ache 5. have been well patronised this season, large crowds' of’ visitors and local people being seen there every day. Opunake, Kaupokonui and 1 Patea Beach Committees are to be congratulated on the splendid improvements .they have made for the comfort and convenience of visitors.

“This year there has been very heavy traffic on all roads, but very little reckless driving on any day. I noted that a very large peroentago of drivers' were always very considerate for others on the roads. It pays to drive on ‘safety first' lines. On New Year’s Eve, while on point duty at Waihi-Glover Road intersection, I saw two motor bikes' without lights, three cars with only one light, and 1 one truck with only one light and no tail light. At this time there would be about 150 cars on the road, so it is apparent the menace these drivers are to others. I have focussed headlights on several cars. Any member who wishes to have his headlights focussed can have this service done by ringing ’phone 2366, when an appointment may be made. 510 TOR. GYMKHANA.

“I have had in mind for some time a monster gymkhana, to he held on the racecourse or showgrounds in either Hawera or Stratford, the net proceeds to be handed over to the unemployment relief fund. A few suggestions for events are as follow: Decorated car procession; pi-ocession of members’ cars (any association); brake test (dummy, say, 550 yards from ear, the car to pull within six feet of dummy at 25 m.p.h.); slow running test (top gear, 100 to 150 yards); backing test; driving test on a defined coui’se; quick staid test (driver to stand beside car with door open, when signal given to start engine and drive over .given course in the quickest time). I feel sure that a splendid programme could he arranged by the committee sex; up. Motor cycle events could be easily arranged.” “A very fine report,” remarked the chairman* “It is apparent that our service officer has been doing excellent work for our members and the motorinsr public generally.” In connection with the proposal to hold a gymkhana, the president and Mr Spragg were appointed a snib-com-mittee to confer on the matter of arrangements.