MOTORING YEAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22851, 5 October 1937, Page 11

MOTORING YEAR

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION INCREASED MEMBERSHIP TOTAL EXCEEDS 22,000 A year of progress is reviewed in the report to be presented at the annual meeting of the Automobile Association (Auckland) next week. The report records a net increase in membership of 3587, the total for the year ending August 31 being 22.624. The income and expenditure account shows a surplus of £2196 after full provision has been made for depreciation of vehicles and equipment. Accumulated funds at the end of the year stood at £19,468. The chief source of revenue was annual subscriptions, which yielded £21,848. Mention is made of the establishment of an agency at Fiji, the number of members enrolled up to August 31 being 131. A patrol has been despatched for temporary service, and it is anticipated that as a result of his visit the number of members will be considerably increased. A further addition was made to the patrol staff during the year. The city staff was increased by one patrol and the areas were replanned, patrols being stationed at Te Aroha and Whakatane. The staff now comprises 37, of whom 17 are patrols. In addition there are agencies in 40 towns and solicitors in 29 towns. As a result of the imposition of the 30-miles-an-hour restriction in boroughs and town districts, additional signposting activity was undertaken and during the year 1842 new signs were erected. The report draws attention to the very difficult year experienced by all insurance companies on account of the very large number of accidents which had taken place, and mentions that the X.1.M.1T. Insurance Company participated in the general experience. Notwithstanding this it had finished the year with a small profit. Acknowledgment is made of the assistance given by the Main Highways Board, and the report states that while there are still many roads which are below standard, it is felt that motorists are getting good value for that portion of motor taxation which is allocated for roading purposes.