MOTORISTS' INTERESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21281, 7 September 1932, Page 11

MOTORISTS' INTERESTS

THIRD PARTY INSURANCE MORE PROTECTION DESIRED [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] PALMERSTON NORTH, Tuesday The annual conference of the North Island Motor Union was opened to-day by tho president, Mr. W. A. O'Callaghan, South Taranaki. Delegates were present from all parts of the North Island, and a representative of the South Island Union attended. The Mayor accorded the gathering a civic welcome. The president's report and the balancesheet were adopted. Numerous remits covering a wide range of subjects of importance to motorists were considered. A resolution was carried to the effect that the North and South Island Unions were opposed to the reintroduction of toll gates or toll bridges. Voting on the principle of one North Island association, instead of several smaller associations as at present, resulted in 11 votes being cast each way. The president's casting vote left matters as at present.

A request that steps be taken to ensuro an amendment of the law so that motorists insured under the third party risk were more fully protected, was advanced by South Taranaki. It wa s explained that when a motorist injured a wife, child or employee, and was found negligent, the husband, guardian or employer in each case could claim damages for loss of service. The motorist was not insured under the third party policy against such claims. The executive was instructed to take whatever action was necessary. A motion was carried asking for the enforcement of the regulation in regard to glaring headlights. There was a lengthy discussion on the question of speed limits proposed by amended regulations. The conference affirmed the principle that driving to the common danger should bo the only offence. A sub-committeo was set, up to place the views of the conference before tho Commissioner of Transport. The attention of the proper authorities is to be drawn to what the conference considered were light sentences passed on persons convicted of stealing cars. Tho principle was reaffirmed that whore a person injured incurred hospital expenses, such expenses should be tho first charge on moneys payable by insurance, except under a personal accident policy taken out by tho injured party. The conference decided to ask for the enforcement of the regulation in respect of cyclists riding at night without lights. A resolution was passed asking for the registration of cyclists. It was decided to take action by means of motion pictures to prosecute a "safety first" campaign.