MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1934, Page 17 (Supplement)

MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS

TARANAKI ASSOCIATION INCREASED MEMBERSHIP HOPED. ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS. That the Automobile Association (Taranaki) hopes to secure a membership of 2000 by means of a drive was a statement made at the annual meeting of the association by Mr. F. Amoore. Reference was made to the small attendance of members at the meeting, and the inferences drawn were that members were satisfied to see the work carried out by a few or that there was not much interest in motoring affairs. Mr. W. T. Guild presided over an attendance of 20. . The report stated that despite the severe- financial stringency the membership of the association had kept up remarkably well. During the year 172 new members were elected and 106 names were removed. Only a few actually resigned, the major' proportion having either left the district and joined other associations or parted with their motor-cars. It was extremely gratifying to note that in practically every case of a member resigning for purely financial reasons complimentary refers ence was made to the work which the association was doing and the intention expressed of rejoining as soon as times improved.' That was encouraging, and provided proof that the work which the association was able to do for its members was fully appreciated . The , financial, position was eminently satisfactory. There was a sum of £3lO on fixed deposit to meet any contingencies and, in addition to. this, the committee, in, order to provide readily available funds when it became necessary to purchase a new motor-car, was building up a' motor-car depreciation fund,, and at the date of the balancesheet the balance of this, was £96. It would be seen that the motor-car appeared in' the balance-sheet at £lOO, which was considered a reasonable figure.. < The outstanding subscriptions, after making provision for possible loss .under that heading, were incorporated . in the balance-sheet at £273. The revenue showed a substantial increase, although it was to some extent set off by an increase in expenditure. The principal increase appeared in commission paid to canvassers. The net excess of income over expenditure for the year amounted to £22 5s 7d. The service officer (Mr. R. Gredig) continued to carry out the many duties allotted to him in an entirely satisfactory manner. A summarised statement of some of his main activities was: Mileage covered, 15,486; head-lights tested, 180; signs erected, 98; road service, 30s; special service at race meetings, etc., 20. TESTING OF HEADLIGHTS. . The recent “drive” by local authorities in regard to headlights and brakes no doubt accounted for the large number of headlights tested by the service officer. The effect of the campaign was clearly noticeable in the greatly improved condition of headlights. In addition to the usual road patrol work which the service officer had done, the committee had engaged an assistant officer to control the parking areas in New Plymouth on Friday evenings. This officer regularly patrolled the various parking areas with a view to protecting members as far as possible against the activities of unscrupulous persons. An arrangement was come to about 12 months ago with the garage proprietors whereby financial members of the association received assistance on the road when they met with minor car trouble. When this service was originally inaugurated the only associations concerned were the South Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki, but the two larger associations, Auckland and Wellington, had now joined up, and any financial member of an association was. entitled to this free servicce anywhere in the North Island. Several associations in the. South Island were giving a similar service. PENALTIES FOR CAR-STEALING. It was most gratifying to report that as a result of the continued pressure of the North and South Island Motor Unions the Government had agreed to increase the penalty for car-stealing. In connection with the recovery of stolen cars, the committee, in conjunction with representatives from other associations, had been investigating the possibility of installing radio receiving sets in service officers’ cars, but as the launching of such a scheme would be a costly matter, the proposal was shelved for the time being. The signs committee, under the direction of Mr. F. Amoore, had been very ( active and had erected 98 signs during; the past 12 months. It was a matter for ■ regret, however, that individuals appeared to derive amusement from defacing and otherwise interfering with signs which they should realise were erected for the safety of the travelling public. A comprehensive scheme was mapped out, and when this was completed the committee felt sure, that there would be no district in New Zealand better “signed” than Taranaki. The committee expressed its keen appreciation of the co-operation extended by the various local bodies in painting white lines on curves. The committee also thanked the New Plymouth Borough Council in connection with the painting of white lines in various streets in New Plymouth. Since these lines had been provided a very marked improvement in the method of parking motor-cars had been apparent. It had come to the knowledge of the committee that certain persons were canvassing the country districts with motorcar accessories and claiming that they had been furnished by the association with letters of recoinmendation. The committee warned members that no such

recommendations were given, and, therefore, mbtorists should not allow themselves to be persuaded into purchasing such articles without the fullest investigation. COST OF NUMBER PLATES. Wh4n the system of annual registration of motor vehicles was introduced it was understood between the Government and the motorists that number plates would be supplied at cost price. As members were aware, motorists were charged 2s 6d per annum for their plates and the Highways Board paid to the post office the sum of Is 6d for each registration. It was estimated that the post office was making an annual profit of from £lO,OOO to £.12,000 out of these plates, and this was considered an unfair imposition, in view ,of the heavy taxation which the motorist was paying in. other directions. The committee recorded- its appreciation of the work done by the Highways Board in. providing and maintaining reading facilities throughout the country. The board has. been obliged to work on a restricted income, due.to the transfer of a large percentage of motor taxation to the Consolidated Fund. The committee also expressed, appreciation of the manner in which the Press, had assisted" by giving so freely of its space for reports on the association’s activities. In an appeal to members to assist in obtaining new subscriptions, ■ the president drew attention to some of the services offered. Membership had increased by 66, but as there was a . large discrepancy between car-owners in the district and members, there was still a big field to work on in this direction, said Mr. Guild, speaking to the report. The financial position must be considered satisfactory. The linking-up of the “Get You Home” service through the North Island was a splendid move, giving members a continuous service. The Highways Board had stated that it : hoped the system of white lines in parking areas would be extended. A tribute to the work of the president was paid by Mr. Amoore. The association had worked harmoniously and efficiently under him. Replying, Mr. Guild said that the association deserved considerably more support from the public than it. was getting. It was his hope to see membershipincreased ■ this season. Mr. Amoore commented on the poor attendance at the meeting and stressed the fact that at one time- annual meetings were attended by a large number of members. It almost seemed that the association: was standing still and not offering sufficient inducement. There were between two and three thousand registrations in. the district, and only half of these were members. A. drive for more members .was being instituted, canvasser having been employed, and it was hoped soon. to reach • a membership of 2000. It was certainly not a fair thing for motorists to take advantage of the facilities made available and refuse to pay the- subscription. Reporting bn the work of the signs committee, Mr. Amoore said the main road and many of the back roads had been completed. The district -was divided into five blocks, two of which were signed. Arrangements for the signing of a third were well advanced. The Carrington Road was surveyed for signing and would be completed when the road was finally opened. When the plans of the committee were completed the district would be as well signed as any in either island. Mr. Little suggested that the association have prepared plans showing localities of beauty spots and routes to them. Officers elected were: Patron, Dr. H. B. Leatham; president, Mr. W. T. Guild; vice-presidents, Dr. G. P. Adamson, Messrs. F. Amoore and T. W. Morris; audito-. Mr. C. B. Webster. Other members elected to the executive were Messrs. F. H. Blundell (past president), F. Dodunski, W. S. Bamsey and H. Cox.