MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 268, 27 October 1932, Page 4

MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS

H.B. AUTOMOBILE ASSN. ANNUAL REPORT. REVIEW OF YEAR’S ACTIVITIES. The following annual report of the Hawke’s Bay Automobile Association for the year ended 31st August, 1932, is to be presented at the annual general meeting of members, to be held tomorrow in the secretary’s office, Herschell street, Napier, at 2.30 p.m.:— Your committee has pleausre in presenting the 21st annual report on the work of the association as follows:

Obituary: It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr P. 8. McLean, patron of tho association. The late Mr McLean was one of the founders of tho Hawke’s Bay Automobile Association, and was its president for a great many years. In that capacity ho directed its affairs and presided over its deliberations. His judgment and advice were always sound, and consequently valued by all our members. He was also largely instrumental in tho formation of,the North Island Motor Union, which body is responsible for tho affairs of the organised motorists of tho North Island. His efforts in connection with the organised motorists of the North Island and, indeed, the whole of New Zealand, because the North and South Island Unions are now federated, have been very considerable, and have been referred to on numerous occasions at our conferences in most appreciative terms. We also record with deep regret the passing of another member, Mr J. T. Harvey, who at all times had the affairs of the association at heart.

Membership; Your association has not yet recovered from the setback received as the result of tho earthquake, but is slowly recovering its position, the number of members at the 31st of August, 1932, being 835. The usefulness of tho organisation in tho provision of direction signs, road information, hotel concessions, general protection afforded is deserving of the financial support and co-operative interest of all motorists in the province. Highways Board: The association wishes to pay a further tribute to the Highways Board for the progress made in the condition and construction of roads generally throughout the Dominion. 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 the association are due to the local Highways Council for tho manner in which suggestions are received aud for the prompt action taken when complaints are substantiated. Main Highways Funds: When the Main Highways Act was framed a definite undertaking was given that the taxation collected from motorists by way of license fees and petrol tax would be used solely for the construction and maintenance of highways. Motorists when asked to agree to the tax were definitely told it was a "user” tax to be expended solely by the Main Highways Board. Free from political control, the board has administered the fund equitably throughout the Dominion, and to the satisfaction of the county councils, fartners and motorists who paid the tax. In view of the confidence established in the adminstration of the funds by tho Highways Board, the recommendation of the National Expenditure Commission that the Main Highways Fund should be placed under political control and that revenue from motor vehicles and petrol tax should be placed into the consolidated fund, came as a severe shock. Members will no doubt remember conditions as they existed prior to the establishment of the Highways Board when road administration was under the control of the Public Works Department. It was then a question of "cap in hand deputation and the weaker to the wall.” The North and South Island Motor Unions in co-opera-tion with the New Zealand Farmers’ Union and New Zealand Counties’ Association strongly opposed the proposal, with the result that the Government has decided, definitely it is hoped, not to interfere with the principle upon which the Act was founded. They have reaffirmed that motor taxation, which is a user taxation, shall be used for reading. Owing to financial exigencies the Government has, however, transferred the sum of one and a quarter millions from the Highways Funds to relieve the Consolidated Fund, thus reducing the former fund to such an extent that the board is unable to carry out proper road maintenance, and essential permanent work, such as bridges on highways, have to be shelved. In April last it was proposed by the Government to increase the petrol tax by 2d per gallon, which, together with tho existing tax and primage, would have brought the total tax to 10id per gallon. Following vigorous representations from tho North and South Island Motor Unions, the Government agreed not to impose the additional tax. The existing tax is the highest in the world. Local Roads: Your committee wishes to draw special attention to the excellent work done by the Public Works Department in further improvements effected upon the Napier-Taupo and Napier-Wairoa roads, also the efficient methods adopted for maintaining the road so improved. One of the most important works carried out during the year was the fencing 'of the Matahourua Gorge, which has been the scene of so many motor accidents in tho past and, in wet weather, a source of anxiety to motorists. The strong type of fencing erected gives a comforting sense of security. It is to be hoped that funds will be made available in the near future to afford the same protection on certain of the beiids on Turangakumu. The widening of the road from tho lower ford at Tangoio to Tutira is also appreciated by motorists, reducing as it docs the liability to accident. The Hawke’s Bay County Council is also to bo congratulated upon the active road improvement policy adopted. Motorists’ Camps: It is pleasing to report that tho various local bodies are one and all improving the conditions of the camps provided by them. Warning: Motorists are reminded that it is an offence against the fegiilations to light fires around the shores of Lake Waikaremoana in other than the fireplaces provided in the various camp grounds.

Transport Licensing Act: The chairman said that he had received aa

intimation from the Commissioner of Transport that any contribution, however small, by a passenger to. the expenses of a trip, made the vehicle a contract vehicle within the meaning of the Act. It was thought the Union should enter a firm protest against this interference with the liberty of the private motorist, but agreed that a stop should be put to the practice of motorists advertising for passengers to share expenses on a trip, but thought that motorists should be able to take their friends on a tour and share expenses without breaking the law. A special fetter of protest was to be sent to the Minister of Transport.

Motor Vehicles Insurance: Third Party Risks Act: The conference discussed the anomalous position resulting from the decision in the case of “Find- ' later v. The Public Trustee and the Queensland Insurance Co. The Union felt that under the Third Party Risks Act should not be one which lapses with the death of either party. An objection might be that the defendant has been removed by death and unable to give evidence. However, the present position was a legislative anomaly and should be remedied. The following resolution was carried: “That the case be stated by the secretary and that the Minister of Justice be requested to take the necessary action to have the law amended?’

Roadside Hoardings: Strong condemnation of this type of advertising has been made by His Excellency the Governor-General, who in a recent public pronouncement made the following remarks; “Do aJI you can to keep your town beautiful, and whatever you do keep at bay those terrible advertisements which are seen in so many parts of New Zealand’s beautiful countryside.” The views expressed by His Excellency are consistent with those which have been held by the club for many years. The whole question was discussed at a recent meeting of the North Island (N.Z.) Motor Union, when it was decided to press for legislation, under the provisions of which local! authorities will have power to exercise a greater control over the erection of hoardings. If such legislation can be introduced it will prevent further disfigurement of our many scenic spots adjacent to the highways. It has been reported that the ‘‘Big Tree” and “Shell” Companies have already commenced to remove hoardings likely to mar rural beauty, and this association wishes to take the opportunity of expressing their appreciation to the companies concerned. Pedestrians Walking on the Right Side of the Road; This important matter was again brought forward with a view to educating the public in adopting tho practice of walking on the right-hand side of a road on account of the added safety jn facing approaching traffic. Speed Limits: Strong exception was taken to the amendment to the regulation proposed by the Commissioner of Transport in which he wanted to introduce a maximum speed limit of 40 miles per hour to conserve the roads. It was resolved to adhere to the longstanding principle of the Union that driving to the common danger of the public be the only offence, and that the Union enter an emphatic protest against any endeavour to fix any speed limit on the main highways. Hospital Expenses: The following resolution was passed: “That this Union re-affirms the principle that where a person injured by a motor vehicle incurs hospital expenses such expenses should be a first charge on moneys payable to such person by an insurance company, excepting moneys payable under a personal accident policy taken out by the injured party.” New Signal: It was decided that the signal of three short blasts on the horn be universally adopted to warn an approaching car that one headlight is not functioning. 1 Theft of Motor Cars: The following remit was carried: “That the Union draw the attention of the appropriate authorities to the light sentences passed upon persons stealing motor cars.” Exception was taken to the Act which classified so many thefts as “conversion to own use.”

Registration of Cycles: A remit “That cyclists be compelled to register their cycles annually” was agreed to. Third Party Insurance: The following remit was referred to the executives of the North and South Island Motor Unions. It was pointed out that the question of insurance was one of vital .importance. The . great majority of motorists were under the impression that under the Third Party Risks Act they were covered against every class of claim, but this was not the case. When a motorist injured a wife, child or employee, and was held negligent, the husband, guardian or employer could claim damages as well as the person injured, and succeed. It was' urged that the conference press for an amendment to the Third Party Risks Act to bring our legislation into line with the English Act. Arrangement should be made with the insurance companies to issue a policy to include all risks. An amending bill should be introduced into the House through a private member. School Safety Posters: The issue of safety posters is proving most satisfactory. The preparation of the posters, the printing and distribution have been attended to by the North and South Island Motor Unions. This system of inculcating road knowledge to school children by means of coloured posters is proving a great success. North Island (N.Z.) Motor Union: It is desired to express hearty appreciation of the services rendered by the North Island (N.Z.) Motor Union and Mr W. G. Walkfey, secretary, and to congratulate them upon the success of their efforts in the interests of motorists throughout the North Island. The membership of all associations in the North Island on the 30th June, 1932, numbered 29,628. Your president, Mr J. H. Edmundson, has been reelected a vice-president of the North Island (N.Z.) Motor Union. Broadcasting: Broadcasting the loss of stolen cars belonging to members has been continued, and the effectiveness of the service has been proved on numerous occasions. The thanks of the club are due to the Radio Broadcasting Board and Radio Broadcasting Companies for their willing co-operation in this matter. In addition, the companies have been willing at all times to broadcast loading information, which in times of emergency has proved of great value to the motoring public. Classification of Hotels: Under a scheme inaugurated by the North Island (N.Z.) Motor Union, a large number of hotels throughout the North Island are being classified and starred on the system introduced by the Automobile Association in England some years ago. The classification has been completed, and in the next issue of the hotel list members will have tho advantage of this classification. With a view to uniformity, the schedule has been prepared by a special officer appointed by the North Island (N.Z.) Motor Union. North and South Island Ferry Service; Appreciation is expressed of the

enterprise of the Wellington Automobile Club in its appointment of a patrol officer to meet afl overseas passenger ships. The service has only been in operation for a few months and a large number of visitors to the Dominion have been given assistance and advice. Of greater interest to motorists is the voluntary service rendered by the Wellington Club to members of automobile associations wishing to visit the South Island. Provided 24 hours’ notice is given direct to this club, arrangements will be made to take over the car from the owner and for its transport to Lyttelton or Picton. At the request of members of associations, the ferries are met in Wellington and Lyttelton when required. This service is one of the best yet inaugurated by automobile associations and is proving of immense assistance, particularly to members of country associations not familiar with the procedure of transporting cars by'boat.