Britain’s Motoring Secretary Arrives

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 65, 18 March 1938, Page 2

Britain’s Motoring Secretary Arrives

SIR STENSON COOKE WELCOMED TO MANAWATU A noted visitor to Palmerston North last evening was Sir Stenson. Cooke, secretary of the Automobile Association of Great Britain. He was accompanied by Mr. G. W. Hutchison, secretary of the Automobile Association (Auckland). Sir Stenson is on holiday, and judging by remarks of his at a welcome extended him by the executive of the Automobile Association (Manawatu) last evening, is enjoying his first visit to the Dominion.

An official welcome was extended by Mr. W. H. Brown, president of the Manawatu organisation, at the conclusion of an informal dinner party last evening. It was a pleasure, ho said, for them to clasp a hand of friendship with a man who had done such an enormous amount in building up the wonderful British association of motorists. From a small beginning in an out-of-the-way office in London, with a borrowed typewriter, he had built up probably the biggest organisation in the country. It was an amazing accomplishment and on the British association’s achievements had been built similar associations throughout the Empire. Mr. Brown referred to the endeavours of the Mana watu association, which, ho said, had an enthusiastic staff and secretary and some 2250 members, and concluded by expressing the wish that Sir Stenson would enjoy his visit to the Dominion and the sunshine it had provided for him.

Musical honours were accorded the guest of honour. Mr. Brown apologised for tho absence of the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Mansford). Cr. G. Tremaine, deputy-Mayor, ex*. tended the city’s welcome. He referred to the courtesies extended New Zealand motorists when they visited Great Britain and enlightened Sir Stenson on tlio early history of the town and its potentialities. Mr. Tremaine pointed to tho part played by motors in the prosperity of the Dominion and the fact that New Zealand was second on the world’s list for motor ownership per head of population. He spoke of the privileges members of automobile asso ciatious enjoyed, and in conclusion said he trusted Sir Stenson’s stay in Non Zealand would be an enjoyable one. Mr. N. H. Mackie, immediate past president of the Automobile Association (Manawatu), commended to motorists the reading of Sir Stenson’s book, "This Motoring." It gave a wonderful account, he said, of the growth of the British Automobile Association and its achievements. Mr. Mackie urged the need of one big association in .New Zealand, and he hoped Sir Stenson’s visit would help towards that end. “We are pleased to have you here both officially and personally," said Mr. Mackie.

Mr. S. I. McKenzie, secretary of the Automobile Association (Manawatu), expressed his pleasure at meeting their guest.

In returning thanks for the welcome. Sir Stenson said that from the moment he landed in Auckland he had felt thoroughly at home. His visit had been inspired by Mr. G. W. Hutchison, secretary of the Auckland association. Tnere was a great brotherhood of motorists which, from the point of view of making for peace amongst mankind, was drawing rings around the League of Nations, and if there was any good at all to emerge from his visit, he wished it to be known that Mr. Hutchison had thought of it first. Speakers had referred to the leadership shown by the British association, but ho wanted New Zealand to know that he was learning something from New Zealand as a motoring eentre and that was the spirit of give and take shown on the roads. As far as the number of automobile associations in New Zealand was concerned, it was the only Dominmci which had the A.A. everywhere. Even in Australia the names of the national organisations differed. As an original servant of the A.A. of Great Britain, he was to be pardoned for feeling proud of a consistent title. He had not come to Now Zealand to teach New Zealand how to run a national motoring organisation, nor did he intend to do so. In Britain they relied on one organisation with uniformity of direction and unanmity of opinion and had found it best. He would carry back with him- memories of a most interesting and enjoyable tour through a beautiful country. He would go back able to tell those who desired to visit another part of the Empire that in New Zealand they would be amongst their own people. Mr. E. R. B. Hoi ben proposed the toast of the Auckland association, and referred to the' help Mr. G. W. Hutchison had given Manawatu when it had first set out to form an association in the district. Mr. Hutchison, he said, was also to be complimented on having persuaded Sir Stenson Choice to visit New Zealand.

Mr. Hutchison, in returning thanks, referred to the generous support the Manawatu association had given tho movement and spoke of the advantages that would accrue from Sir Stenson’s visit.