ROAD PATROL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18622, 18 July 1930, Page 8

ROAD PATROL.

SYSTEM TO BE INSTITUTED. IN SOUTH CANTERBURY. A proposal to institute a road patrol in the South Canterbury district formed the subject of some discussion at last night’s meeting of the South Canterbury Automobile Association. The scheme is to be run on similar lines to those adopted by the Otago Automobile Association, which has been carrying out patrol work for some jime with most satisfactory results. It was decided at a meeting of delegates to the South Island Motor Union to endeavour to organise a .‘•ystem f road patrol on main highways throughout the South Island from Picton to the Bluff, and last night’s meeting took the initiative in the matter by passing a resolution for the institution of a scheme, for South Canterbury. The chairman (Mr W. T. I'itehie), explained that the scheme proposed for South Canterbury meant an, cutlay by the Association of £490 fir a twelve months trial. This included the cost of one car. on which, n the event of the scheme being abandoned at the end of that time. £9O could be realised. The Association's annual profit was £2OO, so that if the scheme were not a success there would be a dead loss of £2OO. The Association’s money was being bottled up. In his opinion it should be spent, and this was a way, if somewhat experimental, of getting new members. He quoted the large increase in membership in Otago since the formation of a road patrol. The patrol would work on the Main South and North Roads and the Fairlie road, guided, of course, by results obtained. Mr F. S. Shrimpton “Road patrol has got to come. Why not take the initiative?" Mr W. H. Orbell then moved that a road patrol service be instituted from August Ist., and that the finance committee be authorised to call fi r ai plications for a patrolman and tenders for a car. This was seconded by Mr G. Bridges. Mr J. M Jenkins pointed out that the North Otago and Waimate Assoclataions would have to be taken into consideration. The roads in those districts were not as good as those in South Canterbury, and would cause more wear and tear on the car. Mr Ritchie said that the Associations would have to pay a proportion of the cost on a mileage basis if they wished to be helped. Mr Jenkins was of opinion that Waimate should be consulted. They might not approve of the organisation or the car selected. Mr S. G. McClelland “I think we are rushing the matter. I think it should be held over till after the annual meeting of delegates at Christchurch. ’ He pointed out that on the hills this ride of Dunedin a patrol was required, but in South Canterbury there were garages all along the road. Mr J. T. Brady said that the money the Association made out of its members should be spent for their benefit, and a road patrol would be of sendee to members. “It doesn’t matter what other Associations are doing. Let us 7et on with our own business.” Mr Jenkins then moved as an amendment that the matter be deferred til! it could be discussed at a meeting of delegates from Oamaru and Waimate. , Mr S. G. McClelland seconded this. Speaking to the amendment, Mr Shrimpton suggested 'hat (he patrol should go as far as the in the north and in the south to the Otaio Bridge. Mr Brady: “Institute our own scheme. If neighbouring Associations wish to come in, we will give them consideration.” On being put the amendment was lost, only mover and seconder voting in favour of it. The motion was then carried cihy Mr McClelland opposing it. “I don’t like that August 1,” said Mr McClelland. “I think you are rushing the matter.” Mr Jenkins moved, and Mr McClelland seconded that the Otago North Otago, and Waimate Associations be written to advising them hat the Association was agreeable to meet them in conference at us early a date as possible, to discuss the question rf road patrol. It was suggested that the conference be held in Timaru on July 31. An amendment sponsored by Mr W. H. Orbell that the delegates meet on the morning of the annual meeting in Christchurch, was lost, and the motion then carried.