RAISING BRIDGE SPAN

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1935, Page 12

RAISING BRIDGE SPAN

DELAY CAUSED AT MOKAU? COMMENTS OF MOTORISTS. MEETING AT NEW PLYMOUTH. The provision of a more adequate means of lifting the centre span of the Mokau bridge would be the subject of a report to the executive by the service patrol, the Automobile Association (Auckland) advised the Automobile Association (Taranaki) in a letter received at the monthly meeting last night. The delay caused motorists by the present system of lifting the span was the subject of comment at the last meeting of the Taranaki Association, and it was decided to approach the Auckland Association in an endeavour to have more adequate machinery provided. ' The chairman, Mr. W. T. Guild, said that he had discussed the matter with service-car drivers, who had confirmed the opinion that the present system was the cause of much unnecessary delay. Motor service proprietors had intimated they would support any measure that would eliminate the present delay. Mr. F. Amoore apologised for the absence of Mr. W. C. Weston, who asked him to convey to the association his congratulations on the way the North Island Motor Union conference had been conducted.

Mr. W. G. Walkley, secretary of the Motor Union, wrote asking for the association’s share of the levy approved at the conference. Of the £5O payable, half was payable immediately. The Commissioner of Transport stated that an amendment to the motor regulations, regarding the fixing of number plates before June 1, might be introduced during the coming session, and this was likely to be along the lines of previous discussions between the department and the Motor Union. The Motor Union’s representations were that motorists should be given permission to fix new number plates 48 hours before June 1.

The Motor Union secretary wrote stating that the Transport Department had advised that it would review registration and licensing forms, with a view to their simplification and curtailment, before the next annual licensing period. The organiser of the Dominion health stamps campaign, Mr. L. O. Hooker, wrote setting out its objects, and asking for assistance. In view of the state of the association’s finances it was agreed no action be taken.

The conditions under which it would supply route maps to individual associations was outlined in a letter from the Automobile Association (Auckland). The executive was instructed to go into the question, members expressing the opinion that maps would be a valuable extension of the services.

The cost of 188 services under the get-you-home service was £9O 3s Id, an average cost of 9s 7d, it was reported. The service officer, Mr. R. Gredig, reported having collected £4 in subscriptions and having secured eight new members and ten insurance policies. The car had travelled 1254 miles during the month, bringing the total to date to 62,579.5 miles. The car averaged 22.2 miles per gallon. It was agreed to support the nomination of Dr. E. Porritt (Wanganui) and Mr. B. L. Donne (Wellington), retiring directors of the North Island Motor Union Insurance Co.

The following members were elected:— Mesdames B. M. Chamberlain (New Plymouth), Miss Z. S. Kivell (New Plymouth), Dr. C. D. Costello (New Plymouth) and Messrs. L. A. Miller (Uruti), C. M. Hewett and S. Howarth (New Plymouth), T. Murphy (Egmont Village), H. D. Macdonald (Bell Block), H. W. Farmer (Fitzroy), J. Hollows, W.. H. Woodward, F. J. Eggleton, W. H. Birch, H. G. Skeet (New Plymouth), and A. Kalin (Puniho).

Sixteen resignations were accepted. Those present were Messrs. W. T. Guild (chairman), C. E. Monaghan, N. F. Little, F. A. Lee, F. Dodunski, F. Amoore, A. W. Busing, F. H. Blundell, R. Day, J. H. Ashton, W. F. Bamsey and R. Area. Mr. G. C. Godfrey, Commissioner of Transport, wrote pointing out that there was provision in the Motor Vehicles Act and insurance regulations for a refund proportionate to the balance of the license year remaining when vehicles were removed from New Zealand. The regulations also provided that an overseas driver’s license ’ might be accepted by a local authority, obviating the need for a practical test. Consideration of the extension of the concessions would be given when the regulations were being amended.