Affairs of Motorists

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 173, 25 July 1939, Page 12

Affairs of Motorists

MEETING OP ASSOCIATION Mr. W. H. Brown presided at a meeting of the executive of tho Automobile Association (Manawatu) last evening. Mr. T. M. N. Rodgers referred to clause 13 of the new motor regulations, which provided that no vehicle be equipped with a lamp that displays towards the rear any light other than the red light and suggested that this would be a hardship in the case of vehicles that were equipped with lights to be used for the purpose of backing for breakdown waggons that wore equipped with a special searchlight.

It was decided to write to the Transport Department drawing attention to the fact that no provision had been made for lights displayed towards the rear in tho case of breakdown waggons and other vehicles requiring same. A reply was received from tho Pohangina County Council advising that it had not taken action in a recent case as it did not have power to proceed against anyone for leaving someone’s gate open.—lt was decided to take no further action in the meantime. Tho North Island Motor Union advised that at a recent meeting of the executive a resolution was passed recommending to the Transport Department that the colour of a light on a motor-car drawing a trailer bo a different colour from that distinguishing heavy traffic vehicles for the reason that one is wider than tho other and may give rise to a misjudgrnent when the samo coloured lights arc used. The Commissioner of Transport had replied to tho effect that he considered more confusion would arise by the use of various coloured lights than if one colour is adopted as a warning to oncoming motorists that a vehicle with unusual proportions was approaching and that it was necessary to observe extra care when passing. Tho Motor Union asked for the comments of the association. It was decided to reply that the association agreed with the comments of the Commissioner of Transport. It was decided to recommend that tho use of blue lights should bo prohibited in the case of any vehicle, such as a taxi, not drawing a trailer. Tho secretary reported that in view of the fact that the City Council proposed to install lights at the intersection of the Square and Raugitikei Street, he had arranged with tho traffic manager to postpone indefinitely the proposed demonstration of tho use of traffic lanes. The North Island Motor Union wrote giving particulars of the number of vehicles that had been unlawfully converted for the year ending December 31, 1938. Mr. Rodgers raised the question of the possibility of an unregistered car being stolen and then being involved in an accident. As there was a doubt as to the position of tho insurance in such a case it was decided to refer the matter to the North Island Motor Union as a remit. A letter was received from tho Automobile Association (Wanganui) advising that its Feilding representative reported on the delay in tho reconstruction of the Feildiug-Sanson road, which is at the present time in a very bad state. It was suggested that the association might endeavour to have the work expedited.—lt was decided to reply that the authorities were at present working on this road and that the work was well up to time. The Automobile Association (Wanganui) forwarded a copy of a letter received from one of its members, suggesting that a light should be installed at Sanson at the junction of the main highways.—lt was decided to reply advising that tho association had previously endeavoured to have a light installed but had not been successful. However, there wore plenty of signs indicating to motorists that they were approaching a main road junction. Tho secretary reported that a request had been received for a ‘ ‘ reduce speed” sign to be erected at Oroua Downs.—After a general discussion it was decided to erect tho sign as requested. A letter of appreciation of the services rendered by the patrol officers and other officials of the Automobile Association (Manawatu) was received from Mr. R. L. Bowen, of Picton, whose car had broken down at Foxton. He felt sure that, if all motorists realised the benefits, there would be 100 per cent, membership.