The Motorists’ Round

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 45, 24 February 1936, Page 2

The Motorists’ Round

SIGNS SERIOUSLY DAMAGED IN WIND. Mr N. H. Mackie presided at a meeting on Friday of the Manawatu Automobile Association. Alsi present wero Messrs M. A,. Eliott, D. Collis, H. E. Edmunds, S. Rosvall and E. S. Oliver. An acknowledgment was to hand from the Palmerston North City Council of a suggestion by the association that a tolephone should be installed at the camp-site at the Esplanade, and stating that it had been decided to agree to the request. The Post and Telegraph Department had been approached accordingly. ■ The Foxton Beach Improvement Society wrote laying before tho association tho proposal for the sealing of the Beach road to Manawatu Heads. It was stated that tho road was in a very baa state at present and was a danger io motorists. A record number of motorists had used the road this year and the complaints by car owners were numerous.

Tho secretary reported that he had replied stating that the association’s committee were anxious ,t.o see the road sealed and were desirous of obtaining information as to tho proportion of tho cost to be allocated to .tho local bodies concerned before taking the matter up with the Main Highways Board. A|| letter had been sent .to the Foxton Har-bour-Board in March, 1935, but so far no reply had been received to questions asked therein,

It was decided to hold the letter over until a reply had been received .to the questions already advanced. The chairman remarked that the Main Highways Board had not been approached since they had made their offer of a subsidy of £3 to £1 for the work.

The chairman reported that he had been in communication with the keeper of the toll bridge at Eangitane, who had said that he received many inquiries as to the condition of roads north of the bridge. Accordingly representations had been made to the Wellington association along the lines that a sign giving such information should be erected at. Makerua.

Twenty-two new members were elected.

Suggestions that the signs bearing the words “speedometer test" formed an encouragement for motorists to speed were placed before the meeting in a letter received from the North Island Motor Union, which also requested tho association’s comments on the subject. Mr Edmunds remarked that he had recently noticed in the northern sections of tho island that there were tenmile speedometer tests instead of the mile or two mile test lengths ‘usually seen about this district. Only a maniac would attempt, to speed over such a long stretch as ten miles, he said. It was decided to refer the matter to the signposting committee who are to consider a suitable alternative sign.

“During tho month it has been necessary to straighten up and otherwise repair many of our signs owing to damage done by the gale,” stated the service officer, Mr Y. P. James, in his report. “It has been necessary to replace some signs which were split and otherwise damaged. Tho road information boards were found sadly wanting—during tho period when roads were closed —owing to the fact that one can only show road ‘closed’ or ‘open.’ No intermediate towns could be indicated. I have now been fully into the question and have arranged means by which one can show a road being open to a certain intermediate town. The necessary additional signs are now in hand and will be finished shortly. This additional information will be of the great valuo and assistance to motorists when similar road conditions prevail. “On Sunday, February 2, I visited tho camp-site at 7 a.m. during the height of the storm and witnessed many of the trees fall. Upon arrival at the camp site, I had to cut my way in, falling trees completely blocking the entrance. It was also necessary to cut a way out as other trees had fallen in the meantime. Wherever possible assistance was given to campers and I advised them to get out into town while they were able. Very few left, the campers preferring to stay in tho shelter. The camp site was visited dur-

ing the day and again in the evening, and at regular intervals for the next few days. Considering tho damage done at the site it is remarkable that no one was injured. Many trees fell across tents and other equipment. With Mr Crozior (the caretaker) I gave a’ hand on Sunday evening to reclaim the personal effects of campers. In some instances it was necessary to dig out baggage. Service Appreciated. “Many hundreds of enquiries were made for information regarding tbe condition of roads on February 2 and the following few days as a result of the storm. Mrs James, on February 2,, 3, and 4, answered no less than 230' tedephone enquiries; I had supplied her with the latest information before leaving home. The service that tho association was able to give in that connection was greatly appreciated by users of the road. We were naturally badly handicapped in obtaining information owing to all wires being down and the electric power being off. I covered many miles on tho road in an endeavour to ascertain which were closed or flooded, etc.- The road information boards were repeatedly changed as the occasion arose. Many complaints continue to be registered by members and others .relative to the traffic and parking in the city. Owing to the gale, which necessitated much additional work, subscriptions and new membership activities have suffered slightly. However, 20 subscriptions have been collected and 14 new members enrolled. ”

The chairman and several members complimented. the service officer on an excellent report. Appreciative reference was also paid to the new designs for road information signs.