CONVERSION OF CARS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22206, 5 September 1935, Page 12

CONVERSION OF CARS

AMENDING THE LAW "PENALTY TO BE DRASTIC" PROMISE BY MINISTER [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON. Wcdnesduy "The position is intolerable, und I have instructed the law draughtsman to prepare amendments to the Police Offences Act for submission to Parliament this session," said the Minister of Justice, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, to-day, in reference to the unlawful conversion of motor-cars. Mr. Cobbe said he had promised that the law would be amended and tho penalty made very drastic. The opinion that the Minister's announcement would be welcomed by motor-vehicle owners was expressed yesterday by Mr. A. Grayson ; president of the Automobile Association (Auckland). Hp said that the automobile associations had been pressing for amendments to fhe law for a number of years. It was the opinion of the executive of the Auckland Association that the of a drastically heavy punishment should go a long way toward reducing the frequency with which motor-cars were stolen. Public opinion had become very strong in regard to the continued delay in introducing legislation to cope with the conversion of motor-cars, and last session the Minister announced his intention of submitting to Parliament amendments designed to meet, the position, Mr Grayson said. Although the» matter waj of vital importance to motorists no action was taken. Tho motoring organisations were in consequence considerably perturbed and disappointed at the apparent apathy, but on furthe*- strong representations being made by the North Island Motor Union on behalf of the combined associations a definite assurance was given by the Minister that the law draftsman would be instructed to prepare the* proposed amendments preparatory to the matter being brought before Parliament this session. Motorists might,, therefore, reasonably anticipate that; they would be afforded this very necessary protection within a few weeks.