MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 264, 6 October 1936, Page 5

MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Manawatu Automobile Association was hold ’ last evening, Mr X. 11. Mackic pres id- | ing over a fair attendance. 'There were several apologies for absence. _ j The report (previously published in j the “Standard”) was presented and - adopted, together with the financial statement, the latter rl—wing an excess, of income over expenditure of £lOl 7s lid. | Speaking to the report, Mr Mackic I said that the association had been in j the happy position of not having any I domestic troubles, this probably accounting for the small attendances at annual meetings. He paid a high tribute to the work ol the Main Highways Board, which had functioned in recent years under financial difficul-: ties and which would have its work 1 increased by the assumption of new highways. The motor unions’ representative had been a tower of strength to the hoard. Mr A. W. Bearslev inquired what had been the policy of the association towards taxation. Mr Maekie said the consistent policy of the motor unions had been that the petrol tax of lOld a gallon should he reduced at the earliest possible moment. The motorists had aided the Consolidated Fund; the transfer of such money, it was felt, should he reduced. It was, however, fair to point out that the motorist could not maud better roads and bridges eo- . incident with a drastic cut in taxation. It had been pleasing to observej the present Government’s attitude in devoting motor taxation to the benefit of the motorist. The Minister of Transport had promised, before changing the system to allow of one comprehensive tax, to consult the interested organisations. It was not possible, [lending the Government making its policy "clear for the motor unions to formulate a policy. The matter of the petrol tax had, however, been definitely taken up with the Government. Mr Maekie added that lie considered that at present it would not he wise to adopt a dogmatic attitude. Ido was confident that the Government would enable a fair and adequate discussion of any changes proposed. The chairman quoted figures to show that motor taxation had increased from £2,921.552 in 1931 to £4,451,803 in 1936. 'The average taxation last vear had amounted to over £2O a ear, of which the Main Highways Board received for maintenance about £7 10s adn the Treasury the remainder.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr A. E. Mansford was re-elected patron, Mr Maekie president and Mr li. T. .laggard vice-president. Messrs W. H. Brown and H. E. Edmunds, who retired by rotation, were re-elected to the committee. New members elected to the committee were Messrs C. N. Rabone, T. M. N. Rodgers and H. N. Rowe. Messrs J. W. Rutherfurd and T. F. Rolling were reappointed solicitors; Mr E. B. Jennings auditor, and Mr B>. I. McKenzie secretary. In moving the resolution for Mr Mackie’s re-election, Messrs Jaggard and E. R. B. Hoi ben paid a very high tribute to bis services to the association over a long period of years. His abilities had been placed at its disposal and his time had been largely spent in its welfare. Mr Maekie, expressing his appreciation, said ho was assuming ofiice for the sixth consecutive year. It had been more than a pleasure to occupy the chair in an association which had not been excelled for its harmony. He could not recollect anything even approaching ail argument at the meetings of the committee. He looked forward to the time when there would be one national organisation, a great deal having already been accomplished in the direction of consolidation. The roading system of the Dominion reflected the excellent progress already established, and they could look forward to even greater success. The chairman added that the committee would be pleased to receive from members at any time suggestions—even criticism —for the association’s welfare. The meeting placed on record appreciation of the service rendered the committee by Messrs J. R. Hughes, J. A. Bell a.nd A. W. Just, who had declined to accept renomLnation for office. Expressions of appreciation of the excellent work of Mr McKenzie and his staff were voiced, Mr Maekie remarking that the multitude of duties had been performed in a praiseworthy manner. Mr Rodgers referred to the problem of wandering stock. Tinder the law, he said, the motorist who hit a cow and sustained damage had to prove that, it was through the negligence of the owner that the animal was on the road. It was desirable, lie contended, to alter the law to make it a prinia facie case of negligence on the part of the owner that the cow was on the road at all. Mr Maekie said the association would refer the matter to "fhe North Island Motor Union. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr A. Grayson, the president of the Auckland Automobile Association, for the outstanding service he had rendered to motorists generally. Mr Maekie, in reply to a question, said the social committee would shortly be convened with a view to preparing a programme for the summer months. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Press.

SUB-COMMITTEES SET UP. Subsequently a meeting of the committee was Feld, when there were present beside the chairman Messrs Brown, Rodgers, Rowe, Jaggard, Holben, S. 0. Rosvall and E. S. Oliver. The new members were extended a welcome. The following sub-committees were set up:—Signposting, camp sites, legislation, roads, and touring: Messrs Holben, Rodgers, H. E. Edmunds, M. A. Eliott, and D. Collis. Outside service: Messrs Edmunds, Rowe, Rosvall, Oliver, and W. E. Barber. Legal: Messrs Brown, Jaggard, Rabone and Dr. E. C. Barnett. Finance: Messrs Jaggard, Holben, Edmunds and Brown. Executive: Messrs Mackie, Jaggard, and McKenzie.