OTAGO MOTOR CLUB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18322, 12 August 1921, Page 2

OTAGO MOTOR CLUB

The monthly meeting of the Otago Motor Club was held last evening, Mr A. E. Ansell presiding. The W'aikouaiti County Council forwarded a copy of a letter received from the Waitan School Committee drawing attention to tho serious menace to school children caused by the excessive speed at which motorists travelled past tne gate. The committee asked that a danger signal be erected.—Tho Chairman said that they were prepared to supply signs to any school committee prepared to pay tho cost price. Tho olub would be wed advised to get some of these signs in hand. The North-East Valley Committee wanted two signs, for which it was prepared to pay. He suggested that they write to the County Council stating the position the club was prepared to take up, and that the council be asked to communicate with the committee. —This was agreed to, and it was also decided that the chairman and Mr Passmore get definite prices for the signs. A committee, consisting of Messrs Hailiday, Breen, Passmore, Reid, and Walker, was set up to go through the Bill in regard to petrol storage, and submit their suggestions to the South Island Union, to be presented to the Government, protesting against some of the regulations, which were considered unreasonable. Tho Chairman mentioned the matter of tickets for annual membership, giving benefits under the hotel scheme. A quote received gave the price at 11s 6d per 100. —It was resolved that the club order 800 tickets, a price to be obtained. The Chairman., in speaking of the Counties' Conference in Uhristcnuroh, said there had been a good attendance of motorists, but a poor attendance of county representatives. Two important things had been suggested. It had been decided that in the interests of the South Island representations siiould be made to the Government that instead oi there being one road board tor the whole oi New Eeaiand there should be separate boards for tne North and South Isiands. The next was as to the construction and improvement ot the mam arterial roads. Those present were practically unanimous in saying that the Government shouM not take over control, in the majority ot cases the counties tuemseivos, witn the necessary financial assistance, would make bettor and cheaper roads titan couid be made by the Government. As to the allocation oi the funds derived from a tax on tyres, they had followed tho ideas presented by tho Sjpjth Island Union, wJuon was that the tax should be divided between the two islands in proportion to the number of motorists in each island. As to providing funds, the county councillors were very reticent. The licensing of motor drivers annually had been endorsed. A sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Wright, Passmore, Breen, and King, was set up to endeavour to increase the membership of the club, particularly in the direction of advertising. It was decided that the annual meeting be held in the Savoy Tea Rooms on Sep tember 24

Mr Wright referred to the valuable services rendered by Mr Ansell as chairman. He would like to convey to Mr An6ell their high appreciation, of his services as president and his impartiality and ability as chairman of the club. —(Applause.) Mr Ansell very briefly expressed his thanks. At the conclusion of the business a brief address on "Simple Technical Problems" was given by Mr J. L. Passmore, who, amongst other matters, dealt with the question of upon what does the efficiency of an engine depend. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Passmore at the conclusion of his remarks.