MOTOR INTERESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22538, 1 October 1936, Page 15

MOTOR INTERESTS

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION REMARKABLE PROGRESS MORE THAN 19,000 ON ROLL Another year of remarkable progress is reviewed in tho report to be submitted at the annual meeting of the Automobile Association (Auckland). In his report, the secretary, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, records a net membership increase for the year ending on August 31 of 2163, bringing the total to 19,037. The income and expenditure account for the year, after making full provision for depreciation of vehicles and equipment, shows a surplus of £2IOB and the accumulated funds stand at £17,271. Included in the year's revenue is £623 refunded by the Commissioner of Taxes subsequent to a dispute in regard to income tax paid in the previous year.

During the year, 1633 members have availed themselves of the association's "get you homo" service, the report states. The average cost to the association has been lis lOd a job, this figure being a peniiy less than that of last year. Better Service in North An additional patrol has been appointed to assist members in tho Kaikohe district, this bringng the number of association patrols to 14. A new patrol activity has been the painting white of rear mudguards of hundreds of bicycles owned by employees of some of the larger factories in the" city. The technical engineer of the association has given advice in 3235 cases in the 12 months, while 486 members have availed themselves of the free legal defence service. Constant contact has been maintained with the Main Highways Boardj local bodies and district engineers in regard to road construction and maintenance and good results have been obtained. The association views with satisfaction the Government's intention to assume control of all arterial highways. The touring department has maintained its activities and association signposts may now bo seen as high as at the 6000 feet level on Mount Ruapehu. Large Subscription Revenue Disappointment is expressed in the report at the failure of the Government to make provision in new legislation for the compulsory registration of bicycles. Since the change of Government many matters about which the association has been making representations for years have been satisfactorily adjusted. The annual accounts show a subscription revenue of £18,749, the total income being £22,073. The principal items of expenditure are as follows: — Administration, £4071; agency expenses, £1806; country patrol expenses, £5135; city patrol expenses, £1549; general expenses connected with services to members, £5378: signposting, £1346.