WARRANTS OF FITNESS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19695, 29 July 1938, Page 4

WARRANTS OF FITNESS

ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES “NO CHANGE FOR BETTER” FACILITIES IN GARAGES The announcement by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, of his intention to transfer the authority for issuing motor warrants of fitness to municipalities with 4000 registered vehicles and over was received by garage proprietors in Gisborne without concern. They considered that the change would not be for the better, so far as the interests of motorists and ratepayers were concerned, but that if the municipalities handled the inspections, there would be relief for the garage men from the necessity of convincing customers of the necessity ',of adjustments before warrants were issued. "Every garage proprietor has had experience of customers who believe that the issue of warrants by the garages merely plays into the hands of the trade,” said one well-known Gisborne motor dealer. ■ These customers bring in their cars, ask for the necessary warrants, and appear to believe that the garage men are fleecing them when they indicate necessary repairs or adjustments. That kind of thing is not satisfactory between a tradesman and his customer. I believe, however, that the customers generally now recognise that the man in the trade knows his business, and deals faithfully with them. There will be less trouble in this respect as time goes on." Duplication of Equipment Other aspects of the proposed change were dealt with by the same dealer and garage proprietor, who pointed out that if the Gisborne Borough Council sought to take over the issue of warrants, it would have to secure equipment which was now available in several local garages, and appoint inspectors who would not be better fitted for their work than the better class of mechanics employed in garages. It would mean additional expense for the ratepayers, probably, and a duplication of establishments. Furthermore, it would bring about congestion from which the motorists would suffer inconvenience. "It is well-known that since the warrant of fitness regulation came into force, there has been some abuse of the authority given to garage proprietors, and that many cars have been certified as fit for the road when they were fit for the workshop or the wrecking yard,,” he said. “Responsible proprietors of garages have net been parties to such trifling with the regulations, however, and there is no reason why the work should be taken out of their hands and a new organisation set un to deal with warrants of fitness. The Transport Department should simply shut out those found to be issuing warrants without sufficient care.” Work Now Done Expeditiously These views were supported by another prominent member of the motor trade, who added that with the experience gained in the past, reputable garages were in a position now to keep the fitness of motor vehicles at a higher standard. By keeping track of the various cars and other vehicles dealt with by them, they could offer reminders to their owners, and so improve on the older haphazard method of inspection. With the work spread among a number of garages, the inspections could be done expeditiously, whereas under municipal control, they wculd be delayed. There was also the point that inspectors employed by a municipality for this work would have to be found other duties in their slack periods.