MOTORISTS' INTERESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21251, 3 August 1932, Page 12

MOTORISTS' INTERESTS

CLAIMS OF THE WAIKATO ATTITUDE OF ASSOCIATION ANSWER TO COMPLAINTS [BY TEEEGRAFII —OWN CORRESPONDENT] HAMILTON, Tuesday Complaints mado at a recent meeting of the Hamilton agency advisory committee of the Auckland Automobile Association that tho Auckland council was neglecting the claims of motorists in tho Waikato, with particular reference to tho HamiltonNgaruawaliia section of tlio Great South Road, were considered at a general meeting of members of the agency in Hamilton this evening. The meeting was convened by tho Auckland council. Tho president, Mr. A. Grayson, presided. Several members of tho council, the secretary, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, and Mr. M. 11. Wynyard, motorists' representative on tho Main Highways Board, were also present. Explaining tho Hamilton agency's attitude, regarding tho Hamilton-Ngarua-wahia road, Mr. W. J. King said that three yoars ago plans were to bo prepared and estimates were to bo authorised by the Main Highways Board for the reconstruction of tho section, but nothing had yet been done. The road was probably the most important section of main highway in the Dominion. Tho agency had referred the matter to the Auckland council previously, hut had received a disappointing reply. Statements Taken Seriously Mr. Grayson said tho,statements made by Hamilton members were taken seriously by the Auckland executive. Another meeting had been held, at which statements were made which were not going to help motoring. Members should be able to control their speech at public meetings. Replying to complaints made at tho meeting of the Hamilton committee, Mr. Hutchison said all requests made by the agency during tho past 18 months had been granted except in one case. He mentioned that last December the association had received a remit from the agency expressing appreciation of the consideration given to its requests. The suggestion that the association had wasted £SOOO on the Auckland waterfront road was incorrect, as it had made no contribution toward the cost of the work. Work accomplished by tho association was detailed by Mr. Grayson to refute the allegation mado that the parent body was indifferent about Waikato's claims for attention. Appreciation of Service Regarding tho proposed complete scheme of improvement work to the Ngaruawahia-Te Awamutu portion of the Great South Road, Mr. Grayson said even if county ratepayers approved tho necessary loan proposals, the Main Highways Board would not bo in a position to advance its share, owing to the Government having confiscated motor taxation. The only thing to do was to press for adoqnato maintenance. Tho association had done all it could. Referring to tho section of tho road, Mr. Wynyard said tho prospect of getting any construction work done was not bright at present, but the Highways Board was endeavouring to see that the road was properly maintained. He assured members that any complaints regarding maintenance would have the board's immediate attention. _ . Several local members expressed disagreement with contentions Taisod by the Hamilton committee. General appreciation was expressed at tho servico rendered by the association. A vote of thanks to the members of tho Auckland council for their attendance was carried.