AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 206, 15 August 1927, Page 9

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.

HAWKE’S BAY’S ANNUAL REPORT MEMBERSHIP INCREASED. “The membership stands at 810. an increase of 212 over the previous year. The usefulness of the organisation is becoming better recognised amongst motorists owing to increased activity in the erection of direction signs, road information provided, hotel concessions secured, road improvements effected and general protection afforded.’’ states the annual report of the Hawke’s Bav Automobile Association, which will oe holding its annual meeting next Friday. IMPROVEMENTS TO ROADS “This association wishes to nav a further tribute to the Highways Board for the progress made in the condition and construction of roads generally throughout the Dominion.” continues the report. “Members are reminded that the board has to depend on the users of the road to report as to the inefficiency of any particular road throughout the country. and welcome any representations from Automobile Associations. The thanks of this association are due to the local Highways Council for the manner in which suggestions are received and for the prompt action taken when complaints are substantiated. The work of the Highways Council in elminating the dangerous railway crossings at Maharahara and Matahiwi is particularly appreciated by motorists.” The committee wished to draw special attention to the excellent work done by the Public Works Department in the improvements effected upon the Napier-Taupo and NapierWairoa roads, also the efficient methods adopted for maintaining the road so improved. The Hawke’s Bav County Council was also to he congratulated upon the active road improvement policy adopted The same remark appled equally to the Napier and Hastings Borough Councils and other public bodies in the province. A general progressive move had been made in the wav of permanent road construction, rhe benefits of which were appreciated by all users, especially in countv districts. where the conveyance of farm products to rail or port expeditiously was of vital importance. Owners of motor lorries deserved the respect of the community generally for their enterprise in assistin'* in the transport of farm products. If under unsuitable conditions the service had developed so well, it was logical io conclude that with better roads the service would be more extensive and the cost of transportation considerably reduced. A summary of the works completed or carried out during the v ear is as follows: —Maintenance on highways. 505 miles; bituminous concrete. 78 chains: tar and bitumen sea] miles; deviations, 5 miles 60 chains: survey 2 miles 45 chains ; bridges in hand or completed. 510 lin. feet. FINANCE. The statement of receipts and expenditure showed a credit balance or £304 3s 3d upon the year’s working, which was satisfactory when the amount spent upon new direction posts, the maintenance of existing posts, a new survev and the preparation of our guide books was considered.