TESTING OF CARS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4959, 23 February 1937, Page 6

TESTING OF CARS.

PROTEST AGAINST CHARGES. Steps taken by motorists' organisations to oppose the proposed halfyearly charge of 5s for testing the mechanical fitness of cars were outlined by the secretary of the Automobile Association (Auckland), Mr. G. W. Hutchison. Mr. Hutchison said a special commission of the North Island Motor Union, of which Mr. A. Grayson and himself were members, had made representations to the Minister on December 8 urging that the cost of inspection could quite well be provided out of present funds derived from motor taxation, but in any case the proposed fee should be reduced from 5s to "not exceeding 2s 6d." The Commissioner of Transport had subsequently informed the secretary of the union that his department had discussed the probable charge with garage proprietors' associations, and that the opinion had been expressed that in many cases no charge would be made, while in others the charge should not exceed 2s 6d.

At the annual meeting of the Automobile Association (Auckland) last October a resolution of protest had been passed on the proposed imposition of 5s per half year for certificates of fitness, and in reply to this resolution the Minister had written to the association as follows: "It is anticipated that under the scheme, when it is finalised, the inspection charge will be in the vicinity of 2s 6d and that arrangements will be made for approved garages to carry out.the^-bulk of the inspections." •"■•

A special meeting of the service committee of the Automobile Association (Auckland) was recently held and was attended by the president of the North Island Motor Union, Mr. W. A. O'Callaghan, Mr. Hutchinson continued. It was there decided to make a further strong protest against the proposed charge. Mr. Hutchison said a legal interpretation had been obtained, which indicated that the Minister was empowered to appoint issuing authorities. The Auckland association would undoubtedly make application for a license for this purpose, and would be prepared to supply the necessary equipment to test the cars of members wthout charge. This would in no way conflict with the interests of garages to whom those whose cars were not roadworthy would be sent for the necessary adjustments. Mr. Hutchison added that a letter had geen sent to the Commissioner of Transport last week asking for confirmation of the information previously conveyed by the Minister. Advice has since been received that the motor trade has agreed that the charge should not exceed 2s 6d. Only in instances where an officer of the Transport Department was called in to conduct a test would the fee be ss.