MOTORING INTERESTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 196, 20 July 1937, Page 11

MOTORING INTERESTS

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION. "DISCUSSION OF SPEED LIMITS. The monthly meeting of the executive comimuee ot the Manawatu Automobile Association was Heki f as t evening, i\ir N. H. Mackie presiding. The secretary of the manawatu Racing Club auvised that the provision or a lootpath along Racecourse Koad had been referred to the to discuss with the chairman of the Kairanga County Council. Air S. i. McKenzie (secretary) stated that the secretary of the club had informed him that a new entrance was under consideration, but nothing was likely to eventuate in the meantime. The secretary of the New Zealand Motor Union advised that the Manawatu County Council had applied to the Minister of Transport to have the HO miles per hour speed restriction enforced in the following areas: SanAwahuri, Foxton Beach, and j Tangimoana townships, the vicinity of Feilding, Kangiotu, and the Clen Oroua junction. The writer felt that the restriction was not justified in these areas, and sought the association’s opinion. Mr Mackie said he had consulted with the officials of the Manawatu County Council on the matter, and Mr A. K. Drew' (county clerk) had subsequently discussed it with Mr McKenzie. Mr McKenzie stated that the council were desirous of increasing the safety factor. Mr Mackie said the council should not be obstructed in any way, but liethought it was unfair in the case of Sanson to impose a 24-hour restriction for the sake of a few hours’ special safety at night when functions were held at the hall. He felt thatconversations with the county officials would be preferable to long-range correspondence. There was a danger that a widespread use of the 30 m.p.h. sign would lead to its being ignored. Taking a middle course, by erecting a different type of sign, would probably serve the purpose best at Sanson. It was decided to refer the matter back to the council, Mr Mackie to discuss it further.

It was decided to raise no objection to the erection of a sign at Miison.

The clerk of the Manawatu Cuunty Council conveyed an expression of appreciation of the work performed by the association in the matters of signposting, traffic control, safety campaign and the general service given the motoring public.—Received. The secretary of the North Island Motor Union invited observations on the carrying of suitable first-aid sets by drivers. The Commissioner of Transport had had representations made to him in this regard. Consideration was also sought of a proposal of the Otago Association to institute driving schools in the Dominion to teach both adults and children traffic rules and a knowledge of car design. The committee felt that it was most desirable For first-aid kits to be carried, but that it should not be made compulsory so that an omission could be punished. The need for knowledge of the use of such kits was also Stressed.

It was decided to oppose the scheme for a driving school, it being felt that observance of the existing regulations would solve the problem. The town clerk advised that the Palmerston North City Council had decided to retain in its present position the traffic dome at the corner of Princess and Grey Streets, declining the association’s suggestion that it be moved nearer the western side of the street. However, the roadway on the eastern side of Princess Street would be tarsealed for approximately two chains from the corner of Grey Street. —Received. It was decided to make a grant of £3 3s to the funds of the Free Ambulance.

Messrs Mackie and McKenzie were appointed official delegates to the annual conference of the North Island Motor Union. ' Mr Mackie was ■ reelected representative on the executive. . ,

It was decided to submit a remit to the conference that the Transport Department be asked to provide a set ot instructions for the tuition of learners to ensure uniformity. A further remit .was drafted that the Transport Department be asked what steps were being taken to see that warrants of fitness were being universally applied for and granted. Mr Mackie slated that, last evening, on the seven-mile stretch of highway between Awahuri and the city, he l ad encountered three ears with only one headlight, two of these being on the incorrect side, and five cars i\ith then lights incorrectly focussed. “Unless some steps are taken we will be in the same position as we were • nder the old regulations when only the careful driver observed them,” Mr Mackie commented.

SERVICE OFFICER'S REPORT. The service, officer (Mr H. R. D. Browne) reported that there had been no accidents of a serious nature during the month. “All the main roads in our territory are in good condition with the exception of the Whirokino Road, which requires care owing to loose metal and road works. Reconstruction of the Oroua River bridge on main highway No. 57, has been commenced. A temporary bridge has been erected and the approaches thereto . metalled. There should be no trouble except in the case of floods^ at this spot,” Mr Browne stated. “A total of 52 signs have been erected in the period under review. This number includes 30 m.p.h. restriction signs as follow : Palmerston North City (one yet to erect), 7; Foxton, 5; Rongotea. 4. The balance of the signs erected were symbolic and replacements. Two signs on the Rongotea Road have been broken in a manner that would _ appear deliberate. In both cases signs are in such position that cattle or vehicular traffic could not have caused damage- There is an information board awaiting erection on - main highway No. GO. Unfortunately there is no position available in Fitzhorbert Avenue. I have conferred ruth Mr H. J. Smith (traffic inspector) ana a suggestion has been made that this board be erected on the routhern ei.o of the bridge, over the water main and on the concrete work of the bridge itself. The position is known to Mr Smith, who informed me that he would recommend the position to the council. During the period July o to 19, when the Young Farmers Clubs were in camp at the Showgrounds. my services were made available and I accompanied them to I'oxton and Mar ton. .By request I took charge of parking at the Showgrounds on the occasion of the Gathering of the Clans and oung Fanners’ Club dances. The report was adopted.