CONVERSION OF MOTOR-CARS

Southland Times, Issue 23766, 14 March 1939, Page 8

CONVERSION OF MOTOR-CARS

BORSTAL ESCAPEES MOTOR UNION TO APPROACH MINISTERS (United Press Association) NELSON, March 13. The problem of motor-car conversion came before the half-yearly meeting of the South Island Motor Union. A Southland delegate introduced a remit as follows: “That in view of the increasing number of Borstal Institution escapees who convert cars and frequently cause extensive damage, the South Island Motor Union make representations to the Minister of Justice (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason) asking that steps be taken to check such escapes and that the North Island Motor Union be asked to collaborate.” The speaker gave details of escapes and car conversions. A certain amount of liberty was given the lads and they at times were away from the close attention of the officers and sometimes got away. , „ , Mr J. Palliser (South Canterbury) seconded the motion. The chairman, Mr W. R. Carey, said they could see that there was a tremendous amount of wastage and damage caused by escapees. Mr Main said that Oamaru was in the track of these escapees. _ Several motorists had suffered, but it was generally their own fault for not locking their cars and garages. While he thought better control should be exercised, he also considered that motorists should be more careful of their own property. Mr A. Grayson (North Island Motor Union) asked that the remit be widened to extend to other types of car conversions. From the Dominion point of view, he said, he would like the South Island Motor Union to make representations to the Minister on all car conversions. Dealing with this aspect as a subheading, the chairman said the Minister had already been approached on the general question of conversions. Mr S. A. Gibbs (vice-president) asked what proportion of car conversions were by escapees. The delegate said that by unofficial figures the proportion was low. Mr Grayson said that he could not agree with Mr Main altogether that motorists were to blame. If cars were not available on the streets those wanting them would get them somehow. Mr J. R. Leggo (Nelson) said he thought that their appeal should be to the magistracy to deal with offenders more severely. The chairman said it was a question of conversion or theft and the heading under which car converters were charged was a generous one. Motorists had reason to be apprehensive. Mr J. S. Hawkes (executive) said there was a further question of the safety of road users, as many of these young offenders could not drive properly. Dr Gibbs said that Nelson was not quite in favour of the wording of the remit as there was not sufficient information of the proportion of offences by escapees. He moved an amendment that in conjunction with the North Island Motor Union further representations be made to the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) about the illegal conversion of motor-vehicles and that attention be drawn to the participation in these offences of escapees from Government reformative institutions. Mr McClelland: Suppose we ask that the term “conversion” be abolished and make it straight-out theft? Dr Gibbs: They won’t agree to it. Mr Main said he was pleased that the scope of the remit was widened. The motion was carried.