AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 295, 10 November 1934, Page 3

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.

COMMITTEES APPOINTED. A meeting of the Manawatu Automobile Association was Held last night, when the presicTent (Mr N. H. Mackie) occupied tho chair. Others present were : Messrs R. T. Jaggard, A. W. Just, E. R. B. Holben and J. A. Bell. Acknowledgments of donations were received from 2ZO Radio Club and from station 2ZF.

Letters were received from the president and secretary of the North Island Alotor Union acknowledging the association’s expression of appreciation of their services in connection with motor taxation. The latter officer mentioned that his work in connection with the inquiry .had occupied an aggregate of 323 hours. The union further advised that since the publication of Air O’Callnghan’s statement it had been ascertained that the 12>j per cent subsidy on rates was to come out of the £500,000 already being transferred to the Consolidated Fund from the Highways Board. This, however, did not make the charge against the Highways Fund any more palatable to the motorist taxpayer.

The service officer, Mr. V. Crichton, presented the following report:—During the recent Bulls and Buxton race meetings roads were patrolled and all members’ cars on the courses were inspected and any vehicles detected with flat tyres or other defects were rectified. The Wanganui Jubilee Show was visited and assistance was rendered in connection with the parking of the cars. The usual road patrol and bispection work was also carried out. During the Manawatu Show periodical inspections of all vehicles were made with the assistance of the Wanganui service officer, many motorists receiving assistance in various ways. Fourteen signs have been erected, including permanent direction signs in the Showgrounds. A comprehensive list containing particulars of signs requiring replacement and new signs wanted has been prepared and is submitted in a separate report. The special tour of our district conducted in order to bring our sign-posting up-to-date reveals the fact that 245 signs will, require attention and about 75 miles of territory yet remains to bo inspected. The work involved. m connection with the local map was completed and members have remarked that this is a valuable addition to their privileges. Preliminary organisaation work has been carried out m connection with the proposed Automobile Association rally. Members generally appear to favour Waiterere beach. Novelty motor events and sports attractions are being arranged, and several local firms have offered to donate prizes. An offer has also been received from a large Wellington pertol company. Practically all the picnic and camping spots listed on the back of our map were visited either by the secretary or myself. In some cases arrangements were entered into with the owners of property, and in these instances they have requested that the privileges extended to motorists and others be respected. . Mr Crichton added that he had travelled 1702 miles during the month in the course of his duties.—Compliments were paid the officer on his initiative in furthering the association’s interests during the Spring ■ Show, while the new map was also favourably commented upon. The Auckland Association wrote suggesting an exchange of service officers so as to make them more conversant with roads in other districts.—It was the opinion of the members not

to entertain the proposal meantime on the ground of expense. The following sub-committees were appointed for the year now entered upon.—Finance, Messrs Bell. Jaggard and Just; service, Messrs Eliott, Holben, Edmunds and Itosvall; signposting, Messrs Mackic, Collis, Barber, Hughes and Oliver; camp sites, Messrs Edmunds. Barnett, Brown and McKenzie (secretary) : executive, the president, vice-president and secretary. Advice was received that the Main Highways Board would he visiting Palmerston North on December 1, and would be willing to discuss any problems with representatives of the association. The chairman and secretary were instructed to compile a list of matters for discussion. Authority was given Mr Mackic to approach the Kairanga County Council with a request for improvements to the Bangitane Road. The secretary (Mr S. I. McKenzie) reported that during the month 42 new members had been enrolled.