MOTORISTS' INTERESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 14

MOTORISTS' INTERESTS.

REGULATIONS AND LIGHTS. LOCAL BODY PROSECUTIONS. SAFETY AT TRAFFIC BRIDGES. [nv TELEGrurH. —PRESS association.] CARTERTON, Friday. The annual meeting of the North Island Motor Union opened to-day, delegates being present from Auckland, Wanganui, Wellington, Napier, Taranaki and South Taranaki. They were welcomed by tlie deputy-mayor, Mr. G. Ilu&han.

Mr. A. J. Toogood, in his presidential address, referring to the recent regulations, deplored the fact that the Government had not acceded to the motorists' request that it be compulsory for all vehicles to carry a red rear light, lie regretted that the petrol tax had been fixed at 4d a gallon instead of 2d, as suggested by the union, and contended that the new motor regulations should over-ride previous by-laws, especially regarding speed. The president said that local bodies pursued motorists with unnecessary vigilance, so many trivial actions being taken against them. lie thought the fines so collected should not go to the local bodies, but, less expenses, .to the Main Highways Board for expenditure on roads.

Condition of Roads.

The following remits were carried :

That in view of tho fact that no local body is liable for damages caused through any defects in road unless negligence on tho part of tho local body be proved, all motor' associations be circularised asking them to point out to members tho necessity for always reporting to tho local body concerned any dangerous defects in any road. If steps are not then taken to warn the public or remedy the defect, liability for damages is on the local body concerned.

That tlio union should approch the Main Highways Board with a view to amending the regulations so that tho banking of curves and all corners is increased in order to provide a wider margin of safety and reduce the wear o£ roads nt curves. That in view of the union's representations that driving to the common danger bo the only offence, the Public Works Department be asked Lo amend the regulations so that there is no doubt, they over-ride local by-laws. That urgent representations bo made to the appropriate department to enforce the requirements regarding reflectors on bicycles. Thelt of Motor-cars. That this conference urges the executive lo take all possible steps to see that the machinery provided by the Act bo put in force by magistrates m cases of theft of cars.

That this meeting formulates its views as it affects motorists as regards the proposed compulsory third party insurance bill to be put before this session of Parliament and forward a statem&nt to the Minister in charge of Iho bill. That this meeting reaffirms tho resolution passed in 1927 as lollows: "lhat the North Island Motor Union be asked to send a circular to allied associations requesting them to impress on members the necessity which exists for using tiie greatest care when approaching ordinary highway bridges on tho grounds of safety first and common consideration of tho rights of others to use tho road with safety, and that affiliated associations bo requested to take necessary action to fulfil the resolution. That this conference strongly disapproves of the practice of remunerating traffic inspectors out of fines secured from judgments given against motorists and that the Government be approached to provide immediate regulations making _it illegal for any traffic inspector to receivo any part of his remuneration from fines received for detection of oflcnccs by motorists. That the department be asked to delete or amend the regulation referring to red reflectors being carried on motor vehicles in view of the fact that tlie onus is at present on the motorist to keep a red rear light burning. The Wiring of Headlights. The following remit was lost:—That when amendments of the motor regulations are being considered a clause be inserted that both headlights of motorcars be wired separately through separate fuses, so that in the event of a short circuit one light would always 1)0 on. It was decided that the next conference be held in Auckland. The election of officers resulted:—President, Mr. A. J. Toogood (Wellington); vice-presidents, Messrs. 11. C. Jones (Auckland), R. S. Abraham (Palmerston North) ; executive, Messrs. G. M. White (Auckland). N. C. 0. Shepherd (Wairarapa), P. W. Manton and L. A. Edwards (Wellington), W. Howard Booth (Wairarapa). F. J. Hill (Wanganui), V. Duff (New Plymouth), W. G. Walklev (South Taranaki), J. H. Edmondsnn (Napier). Messrs. Henry Kembcr and Son were reelected auditors. The meeting congratulated Mr. M. 11. Wvnyard, the motorists' representative on the Highways Board, on his work and expressed satisfaction with the work of the board. The meeting urged that the Government bo approached to set up a board of inciuiry on motor taxation and to report on the cost of transport and the proper proportion the motorist should pay, and that a motorists' representative bo appointed to the board.