REVOLUTIONARY IDEA

Southland Times, Issue 20617, 16 October 1928, Page 4

REVOLUTIONARY IDEA

CONTROL OF MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS. DISCUSSION BY ASSOCIATION.' A revolutionary scheme for controlling , all matters connected with traffic and motorists was outlined briefly by Mr A. M. Macdonald at last month’s meeting of the Southland Motor Association. Further details ‘of the scheme were given in the following letter from Mr Macdonald read at the meeting of the association last night. “In pursuance of the request expressed at the last executive meeting of the association I beg to submit particulars of the proposal brought forward by me at that meeting regarding the status and extension of the activities of motor associations in general. There are features that make the proposal an attractive one, but I quite realize that there are others which will not appeal to a considerable body of motorists and as the proposal, if carried into effect, would have far-reaching results, it is one that must be given careful consideration and full discussion. “Briefly the proposal may be outlined as follows:—That legislation be promoted whereby all motor associations would be given a status something akin to local authorities, their districts would be defined and all motorists within any district would automatically become members of the association operating in that district. The executive for each district would be elected by the vote of the motorists in such district. Each association would fix its membership subscription on a budget basis according to its estimated expenditure for the ensuing year and the subscriptions would be paid with the license fees. It is a debateable point whether the subscriptions should be assessed against the drivers or against the vehicles but that is a detail that could be settled later if the main principle of the proposal is adopted. With increased revenues the associations would be expected to assume increased responsibilities and would undertake all road signing work and such safety devices for the protection of motorists as might be thought necessary or desirable—for example crossing keepers at dangerous level crossings and busy intersections might be employed and this would afford an opportunity for the employment of those who could only do work of a light nature. The associations could also provide additional facilities for travelling motorists by establishing patrols for their assistance and guidance as is done by the R.A.C. and AA. in Great Britain and also in America. The great advantage to be derived from the scheme would be that greater road facilities could be provided, the cost of which would be borne equally by all motorists instead of by the few as at present.

“I find that in July 1927" the total number of motor vehicles of all descriptions registered in New Zealand was 162,442 pj which 62,237 were in the South Island. These figures are taken from the Official Year Book for 1928 the latest available. Last year the total membership of associations affiliated to the South Island Motor Union was approximately 11,000 so that only about one-sixth of the motorists in the South Island were members of motor associations. Nevertheless the remaining five-sixths receive the benefit of the work done by the associations in road agning etc. I have not got the membership figures for the North Island but doubtless the proportions will be much about the same. It has been suggested that if membership is made compulsory the same interest will not be displayed by the executive of an association as is done under the present voluntary system. I do not think there is much in that contention as men will always be found who will come forward to carry on the work in the same way that men take up the duties of Borough and County Councils. It will also be asserted that the scheme would put an end to tire carrying on of club rooms, as is done at present by some of the associations, but the provision of club rooms within perhaps a limited extent, might quite properly be provided for as part of the functions of the new associations. but doubtless some equitable way of doing so would be found. In conclusion I would like to say that the idea, which is an entirely novel one, was suggested to me by Mr John Gilkison, one of our leading business men, and I bring it forward with a view to its being thoroughly discussed, and if thought fit, referred to the other associations through the South Island Motor Union.”

Mr Macdonald added that everything pertaining to motoring should be under one control, including licensing. License fees of course would go to the road authorities save a small commission such as the Post Office gained to-day, but the collection of the fees should be done by the board. He expressed the opinion that the money collected from driving licence fees should be retained by the board. He stressed his desire never to see the board become a Government Department. On the figures given in the letter, one-sixth of motorists in the South Island belonged to associations and it was not fair that the expense should be borne by such a small percentage of owners of vehicles. That was his motion and it would have to go before the next quarterly meeting of toe South Island Motor Union.

In reply to Mr W. A. Stout, Mr Macdonald said that the entrance fees would be fixed by the local authorities, but a maximum fee should be made. Mr Haigh said it was a most important matter. Personally he saw many points on both sides. He could not see how so large a body as Mr Macdonald had suggested could avoid becoming a Government Department.

Mr Hunter expressed the opinion that it was aimed for the good of motorists and should be well considered.

Mr M. M. Macdonald said that he thought the suggestion was contrary to the principles of motor associations. It would be difficult to avoid its becoming merely a Government Department. It would hit the farmers and others who only occasionally used their cars. The motor bicycle owners also would feel that they were-not given enough separate representation. Mr W. A. Stout said the chief advantage would be to put some of the load on the loafers.

After other members had given varying opinion on the matter, Mr Haigh said that he did not think there was much chance of the motion being passed as a remit, but it would be a good thing if the idea could be sent to the executive of the South Island Motor Union as a unique scheme which would merit their consideration. This course was decided on.