MOTOR VEHICLES BILL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18799, 28 August 1924, Page 11

MOTOR VEHICLES BILL

BODIES CONFER. \\ 0 "THE MEASURE INADEQUATE" NEW HIGHWAYS BOARD URGED. -LICENSES FOR PRIVATE CARS. FEE OF 5S PER HORSEPOWER. 'import-ant proposals which it is intended shall be submitted to the Government to be substituted for the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Bill now before Parliartfent were adopted by the conference of local authorities repressnta.tivo of >the Auckland Provincial District held i.i the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. The conference was called by the Auckland City Council to enable. the ■focal governing authorities in the province to arrive at a considered opinion on the contents of the bill before it is • finally dealt with by the House of Representatives. The Mayor of Auckland, Sir James Gunson, presided. The authorities represented were:— City Council: Auckland. Boroughs: Avondale, Cambridge, Dargaville, Devonport, Gisborne, Mount Albert, Mount Eden, Newmarket. Oriehunga, Otahuhu, Pitoroa, Pukekohe, Taumarunui, Tauranga, To Aroha, Te Awamutu, Takapuna and Whangarei. Counties: Bay of Islands, Hobson, Ohinemuri, Otamatea, Otorohanga, Piako. Rotorua. Rodney, Taumarunui, Waikohu, Waitomo, Whar.garei, Waitemata. Town Boards: Ellerslie, Glen Eden, Vikurangi, .Helensville, Henderson, Manurewa, New Lynn, Otorohanga, Panr.iure. Papakura, Papatoetoe. Tuakau and Waiuku. Road Boards: Or&kei, One Tree Hill and Tamaki. Mr. M. H. Wynyaxd, the motorists' representative on the Main Highways Board, was also present as a guest of the conference. In welcoming the delegates the chairman said the City Council had not much faith in conferences and for that reason did not oft*». take part in them. In this instance they had taken their courage in their hands and called the present conference and hoped deci&ions of value', not only to the authorities represented, but to the entire Dominion, would be reached. They would attempt to unify considered local body opinion and policy. He explained that the City Council, in calling this conference, had aimed at devising a broad policy acceptable to all local authorities. They felt that their powers under statutory authority, in particular with referenda to traffic, were inadequate, and that their review and amendment were long overdue. Present Bill Deemed Inadequate. The Mayor of Gisborne, Mr. G. Wildishj then moved: — " That this conference of local bodies of the Auckland Provincial District deems the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Bill. 1924, to be inadequate, and affirms the necessity of £ more comprehensive measure designed to meat modern conditions of traffic avA under the provisions of which local authorities would be enabled to satisfy the demands upon them for improved roadways of a nature sufficient to core with existing and future traffic reqmremeatc." This was seconded by the Mayor of Opotiki. Mr. F. W. Grigg,' chairman of the Waitemata County Council, opposed the motion on the grounds that the Motor Vehicles Bill was meeting a long felt want in the counties. They had long threatened to g6fc*some provision to meet tho roading requirements, apart from toll gates. This bill had now come down to meet that need. The motion was carried with two dissentients. Tlie Licensing of Vehicles. Explaining the present position the chairman said that for some time attention had been directed to the question of raising moneys for improvement of roads by tha licensing of vehicles and the Government had recently circulated a bill for this nurpose, known as the Motor Vehicles Bill. This bill provided in the first place for the registration of all motor vehicles, including motor-cycles, and thereafter for annual license fees in respect of both vehicles and drivers. Under the bill registration fees were fixed at 10s for cycles, and £1 for vehicles. This fee was to be paid once only. The iicense fees proposed were: Motor-cycles, 10s per annum; private cars and cars plying for hir~., £2; omnibuses, £-5; trade motors, £2 to £5; traction engines, £5. The fee for drivers was 5s per annum. Both licenses were to operate throughout New Zealand. Registration and vehicle licenses were to be. collected by postmasters., and were to go to the Main Highways Board. Drivers' licenses fees were tc be collected aad retained by local bodies. The bill did not deal with vehicles plying for hire or engaged in heavy traffic, and these vehicles would still have to pay the fees which different local bodies might impose. Tolls were retained, and Government and local body vehicles were exempt from the, payment of license fees. Coming to the business of the conference. Sir James said that with a view to dealing more adequately and comprehensively with the urgent problem of road improvement, and particularly of road finance,, a. scheme had been outlined and was now submitted as a suggestion for the new Highways Act. It adopted the principle of registration and licensing of vehicles, and the licensing of drivers, but made the following important alterations: Proposed Alterations. (1) The license was made the sole charge on the vehicle so that any vehicle owner on obtaining the appropriate license coald take his vehicle anywhere without payment of further fee, toll or charge of *ny description with the exception or ferry charges or cases of special damage. (2) The license fees, instead of going to the Main Highways Board for main highways only, would go to the locai Ladies for expenditure on roads (3) The collection, of. the fees and the inpervisicn of their expenditure was to be undertaken by a National Highways "Board, which was planned on the lines of the.Main Highways Board, but with a wore representative constitution and wider powers. This board would absorb and replace the existing Main Highways Board, it would continue to carry out all '?*'« present functions of tb»t board and would retain for main highways the pro ceeds of the existing tyre tax and all other meneys voted for main highways, hut it would in addition ad.minster the whole of the business of licensing vehicles and drivers, and distribute the fees to local bodies for the construction, improvement or maintenance of roads in their respective districts. The board would be assisted by District Highway Councils elected by" the local authorities of their respective districts. j4) The scale of fees would necessarily te higher arid, instead of, being on a flat rate, would be graduated according to the clas'i of vehicle. (5) Necessary power* would be given to the board enabling it to co-ordinate traffic conditions of Dominion application such as speeding, maximum weights of vehicles, etc., but general control of traffic would remain with the local bodies. Constitutions of National Board. Mr. C. F. Gardner, chairman of the New Lynn Town Board, then moved: That a National Highways Board be <!Stablished, incorporating the Main Highways Board and exercising all the present Junctions of that board with extended powers including the licensing of vehicles and drivers and the collection and distribution of fees. The board shall consist «>f:—Three Government nominees, two • i-presomtatives of counties nominated by the New Zealand Counties Association, two representatives of boroughs nominated bv ths Municipal Association of New Zealand, one representative of owners of motor vehicles, all appointed by the ■ Governor-General and holding office during his pleasure: the chairman to he * ;tl*Jted by the board. Chairman and

members may receive travelling and other allowances as 'fixed by Order-m-Council. This was seconded by Mr. L. E. Rhodes (Mount Alberth Mr. L. R. Phillips,, of Otorohanga, said the bounties generally were in favour of the propoHals but were diffident about interjoining with the present Main Highways Board and would prefer that this motion be deferred until the end of the conference.

The chairman explained that it was not proposed to abolish the board but to enlarge and extend it. They would not propose to impair it in any way. The Rev. W. C. Wood (Papakura), said one important change proposed was that the board was to elect its own chairman. One of the weaknesses of the present board was that the chairman was a busy and the business of the board was likely to suffer. Mr. R. Coates (Otamatea), said he must oppose the motion. The Main Highways Board had made a great stride and had conducted its business in an economical mannen The fact that Mr. Furkert was chairman of the board was a safeguard against squandering of funds. It would be a mistake to knock out the board in its early infancy. An amendment that the personnel of the board be increased by the addition of one representative of road boards was carried.

A further amendment put forward by Mr. Phillips that consideration of the motion be deferred was lost. Mr. V, Trouuson (Hobson), expressed the opinion that this was not the. time to consider an alteration to the highways board.The delegates had met in an endeavour to secure more revenue for local authorities, and they were not doing their best in that direction by attacking the constitution of the present board. The mover, in reply, said that far from attacking the board they were proposing to give it further powers and entrust it with . tho, handling. of extra revenue. The motion was carried by 72 votes to 15. • . . Powers of the Board. Mr. F. W. Grigg, chairman of the Waitemata County Council, moved: That the powers of the proposed National Highways Board, in addition to appropriate authority for effective functioning, be: (a) To declare main highways; (b) to have control of construction and maintenance of main highways; (c) to license vehicles and drivers; (d) to supervise and co-ordinate by-laws of local authorities relating to heavy traffic, speed limits, maximum weights and widths of vehicles and widths of tyres, restricting use of road by any vehicles including limitation of competition; any powers of the board may be delegated to district councils for their respective district*: any powers may be delegated t( local authorities who must carry out delegated functions, but may require reasonable reimbursement. This was seconded and carried by a large majority. The next motion was that moved by Mr. A. E. Webb (Hamilton), as follows: That provision be made for a District Highways Council on the same principle as the Main Highways Act, and that their functions appropriately be extended; the board may; establish. local highway districts under district councils; the district councils to be elected by the local authorities of their districts in manner determined in ea'-h caste by the board; the • councils to recommend to boards: (a) What shall be main highways in their districts; (b) estimates-of work to be done and contributions to be paid. The councils to exercise powers delegated to them by the board. This was carried. . ' Financial Provisions. Mr. E. H. Potter, Mayor of Mount Eden, moved the next* clause, as follows: That the financial provisions «rf the board be as follows:—Revenue of the board will comprise: (a) Proceeds of tyre tax; (b) registration and license fees from vehicles and drivers: (cV fines and penes for breaches of Act or board bylaws; (d) moneys voted by Parliament. Capital money's to be provided by loans by Government as in Main Highways Act. These will be for main highways only. Expenditure out of revenue: (a) On main highways, (i.) proceeds of tyre tax, (ii.) moneys voted for main highways (proportions and other provisions as in Main Highways Act); (b) local bodies to receive proceeds of registration and licensing of vehicles and drivers: as to 50 per cent, on basis of population, as to 50 per cent, on basis of area. These moneys must be spent by the local authorities on •construction, improvement, or maintenance of roads, and may be used for interest and sinking fund on loans for road work. (c) Administration. Fines and penalties; balance to be provided by (a) and (b) in proportion to their gross returns. Mr. G. E. Tansley (Mount Roskill) seconded. Mr. F. W. Walters (Piako) pointed out the value of the clause providing for the expenditure of moneys by local authorities as it would enable districts such as Taranaki, which had constructed roads out of loan moneys, to use money to pay interest and sinking fund. This motion was carried. Registration of Vehicles. Thii following motions, considered as machinery clauses, were adopted:— That the registration of all vehicles be provided for . as .follows: —All motor vehicles and all motor and .horse-drawn vehicles engaged in heavy traffic or carrying goods or passengers for hire to be registered on passing of Act. Registration to be carried out by board either through its own officers or local authorities. Fees: Motor-cycles, 10s; motor vehicles, £1: horse-drawn vehicles, 10s. Board will keep central register of all vehicles. Distinguishing marks and numbers will be assigned and certificates of registration issued. Certificate to be returned on destruction of vehicle. That licenses be provided for as . follows: —All motor vehicles and all vehicles engaged in heavy traffic or carrying goods or passengers for hire to be annually licensed by the board acting as in registrations. Licenses to operats throughout New Zealand. No other charge to be levied or. licensed vehicle by toll, license or otherwise, except: (a) Ferries, (b) Right to recover special damage to roads by exceptional traffic. (Abolish Hutfc Road tax afld provide for allocatiop to local bodies concerned of necessary revenue by board); change of ownership, etc., of vehicle endorsement on license; change of domicile or destruction of vehicle to be notified; provision for dealers and manufacturers; Government and local body vehicles not to be exempt; feeß as annexed with a provision for half fees only on'certain vehicles where vehicle is domiciled in rural areas as defined by the board; requirements as to construction, etc., of vehicles carrying passengers for hire, including provision' for accident insurance. Licensing of Drivers. That the licensing of. drivers be provided for as follows: —All drivers of licensed vehicles to be licensed annually by % the board; age of 15 for., private vehicles, age of 21 for vehicles plying for hire. Qualifications, fee, 5s per annum; right of appeal to magistrate from refusal of license; cancellation and endorsement of license by magistrate for offences or misconduct That the chief administrative provisions of the board be as follows-.—Powers of local bodies to be modified or extended: (a) by taking away power to charge license fees, or other charges on vehicles; (b) authorising the making of by-laws relating to undue competition in vehicles plying for hire either as taxis or buses, with provision for appeal to magistrate in case of dispute; (c) motor vehicle to be a vehicle for purposes of all by-laws, but control of traffic by local bodies is otherwise unaffected; (d) amending definition of heavy traffic so as to reduce !ihe minimum weight. Police Provisions.—Peckleis driving, etc., sections 27-34, Motor Vehicles Bill; .by-laws by board providing for procedure in licensing or otherwise ancillary to provisions of Act (sec section 35. Motor Vehicles Bill); regulations by Governor to enable Act to be corned into effect. The chairman then moved that the following scale of annual vehicle license; be adopted, and after being considered in detail this course whs to: — Hor.se drawn Vehicles,—Vehif \<p conveying go.'-'ds :;!■(! weigiii: ';;_ wit.! !... more thau 2oc\vl. to each pah' oi v.LccL:

Carrying capacity not exceeding 1£ tons, £3;' Carrying capacity from 1£ to 3 tons, I £5; carrying capacity from 3 to 4 tons, j £10; carrying capacity exceeding 4 tons, i £15; one-horse cabs, £1 10s; two-horse cabs, £2 10s; two-horse omnibus or coach, j £5;. three-horse omnibus or coach. £6; four-horse omnibus or coach, £7 10s. Power-driven Vehicles.—Motor-cycles (up to and including 2001b. weight), £l 10s; motor-cycles (over 2001b. weight), £2 10s; motor-cycles, (with trailer or side-car), £3 10s; other motor threewheelers (not exceeding 7 cwt), £3 10s; private motor-cars (including threewheelers weighing over 7cwt.), 5s per horse-power per annum; tramcars, each 15s per annum. Motor Vehicles,, Carrying Passengers for Hire.—Up to a seating capacity of 15 passengers, £2 per passenger seating accommodation ; over 15 passengers, £3 per passenger seating accommodation. Temporary licenses for motor vehicles carrying passengers may in special cases be issued by local authorities. Commercial Goods Vehicle!!. Commercial Goods Vehicles, including Steam Lorries, weighing together with loads.—Up to 1 ton, £10; from 1 ton to 1£ tons, £15; from 1£ to 2 tons, £20; from 2 tons to 2£ tons, £25; from 2£ tons to 3 tons, £30; fiom 3 tons to 4 tons, £40,; from 4 to 5 tons, £50; from 5 to 6 tons, £70; from 6 to 7 tons, £90; from 7 to 8 tons, £110; from 8 to 9 tons, £130; from 9 to 10 tons, £150. All vehicles, including loads in excess of six tons, shall not operate except by special permission from local authorities and under such conditions as may be prescribed. Trailers to pay additional amount equal to half the above rates for the loads each is capable of carrying. If any of the above are fitted with pneumatic tyres on all wheels the license fee to be 20 per cent. less than above rates. Tractors drawing trailers to pay an amount equal to half the rates specified for commercial vehicles according to the maximum load each is capable of drawing (if fitted with rubber tyres or caterpillar traction), additional -to that paid for trailers, but tare weight of tractors or trailers not to be included in assessing maximum load. Road locomotives or traction engines not over 8 tons unladen, £30; over 8 tons, but not exceeding 12 tons, £40; over 12 tons, £50; agricultural tractors or motors used solely for agricultural hauling, under 2£ tons tare weight, £5; under 2£ tons, but not over 5 tons, £10; over 5 tons unladen, £15. Half fees only to be paid in respect of following vehicles in rural areas. Private motor-cars, including three-wheeled vehicles weighing over 7cwt, and all horse-drawn vehicles. Position of Some of the Counties. The chairman then asked for an assurance ihat those present at the conference were united in the decisions arrived at. The City Council did not desire to waste any time on tho proposals if there were any substantial difference of opinion among" the delegates, but if the delegates would undertako to support them they were prepared to submit the deliberations • to the Government. The Rev. W. C. Wood moved that the conference, having arrived at certain conclusions, the Mayor of Auckland be requested to convey the result of their deliberations to the Government. This was carried. Mr. Phillips (Otorohanga County) said he, did not wish that there should be any misapprehension as to the attitude of some of the counties. They approved the principle of increased fees and their distribution, but were opposed to the suggestion that the present Main Highways Board should be done away. with. In reply to this, the chairman emphasised his former statement to the effect that they had agreed to the preservation of the board, but with an extension of - its functions for the benefit of the whole Dominion. Mr. R. Boddy (Waitomo) also stated that it would be the duty of the Counties Conference to study the position from the county standpoint, but at the request of the chairman he undertook that the counties' representatives would bring the deliberations of the conference before the Counties Conference, to be held at Wellington next week. The chairman also mentioned that he would like an opportunity of conferring with a delegation from the Counties Conference, and suggested that a small com mittee be appointed to act with him. - This was agreed to, and the committee appointed comprised: Mr. E. H. Potter (representing the boroughs), Mr. F. W. Grigg (counties), and the Rev. W. C. Wood (town boards). The conference concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman, a number of speakers making reference to the valuable work done by Sir James in preparing: for the conference, and to his able control of the gathering.