AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18831, 20 March 1931, Page 7

AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP MONTHLY MEETING OF COMMITTEE. Twenty-two new members were elected at last evening’s meeting of the committee of the South Canterbury Automobile Association, bringing the membership roll to almost a thousand. Gratification was expressed at the increase in membership. There were present—Messrs T. Palliser (chairman), N. M. Orbell, F. W. Shrimpton, G. A. Bridges, W. T. Ritchie, J. H. Don, and Dr. C. A. Paterson. Visit to Peel Forest. Referring to the Conference between the Peel Forest. Board and the Canterbury, Ashburton, and South Canterbury Associations, which was held recently' at Peel Forest, the chairman said it was a matter for regret that more South Canterbury members had not attended. An ideal site for a camping ground had been obtained in beautiful surroundings, and this would accommodate 200 people. Members of the Canterbury Association, he said, were delighted with the scenery, and Peel Forest would become an even more popular resort than was the case at present. Road Maps. After a discussion regarding the cost of having South Canterbury road maps printed, it was decided to discontinue the practice of supplying these free to members of the Association. Information Sought. The Wellington Automobile Club wrote seeking information in regard to the condition of roads in South Canterbury, particularly those leading to the Hermitage. The secretary (Mr E. A. Spott) reported that he had forwarded the desired information, remarking that the Hermitage Road was now in splendid order. Orphans’ Outing. Correspondence was received from the principals of the Presbyterian, Anglican, and Salvation Army Orphanages, expressing appreciation of the Association’s action in arranging the recent outing for the orphans in South Canterbury. The chairman said that in spite of the inclemency of the weather the outing had proved thoroughly enjoyable, although it had been necessary to entertain the children in the Pleasant Point Town Hall. Mr Palliser also made reference to the assistance given by Mr Charles Pateman in connection with the orphans’ outing, and the secretary was instructed to write thanking him for his services. Temuka Motor Camp Mr J. T. Smart, of Temuka, wrote j acknowledging his appointment as the , Association’s representative on the j Temuka Progress League for the pur- i pose of watching the Association’s in- j terests in connection with the Temuka motor camp. Road Signs. Writing in reference to payment of subsidies on road signs, the chairman of j the Main Highways Board (Mr F. W. ] Furkert) stated that all road signs on ; which the Board would pay a sub- j sidy must be erected in accordance [ with the motor vehicle regulations, and in addition the signs must bear the number of the main highway. This was a necessary qualification to the payment of a subsidy. The rate of subsidy was £2 for £l. It was decided to forward a list of the signs erected, together with the cost of construction. Car Thefts. Arrangements have been made for the broadcasting of particulars of stolen cars belonging to members of Associations and Clubs affiliated to the North and South Island Motor Unions. The foregoing information was contained in a circular letter received from the secretary of the South Island Union, who expressed the opinion that this innovation would not only assist in the recovery of stolen cars, but would also tend to discourage thefts. As there were only two “Y.A.” broadcasting stations in the South Island, it would be necessary for the Association concerned to advise by telegram the station which was best suited to the occasion, the letter continued. Descriptions of stolen cars would be broadcast between the hours of 7 and 8 p.m. The chairman: “The broadcasting of particulars of stolen cars should be very helpful. I think it is a move in the right direction.” Motor Patrol. The report of the Association’s road patrolman stated that a mileage of 1928 had been covered during the past month, service to members of motor associations having been given on 21 j occasions. Nineteen new members had been enrolled. It was decided that patrolling hours I should be altered from 12 to 10 p.m. to 12 to 8 p.m., with the exception of the Easter holidays, when the usual hours would apply, with the extended service on Sunday. Mr Don considered that before long the South Island Motor Union would finance road patrols throughout the island, although probably these would still be directed by the local Associations. If resources were pooled, added Mr Don. it would be possible to provide a better service for motorists. Dr. Paterson: “That will mean a patrol levy.” Mr Don: “Something of that nature.” The report was adopted. In regard to patrol charges, the Canterbury Association notified that it had decided not to make any charge for services rendered by its patrol men. If a motorist in trouble on the road were not a member of an Association, and refused to join one, it was considered that he should not be assisted, but should be left to “stew in his own juice.” A member: “That’s to the point.” (Laughter.) Discourteous Motorist. Mr W. J. Ruston, of Timaru, wrote complaining that while returning to Timaru from Dunedin last Sunday he had been passed at a dangerous corner on Mount Cargill by a southern motorist travelling at an excessive speed. The latter had performed a discourteous act through the rear window of his car, and had abused the writer of the letter. The number of the car was 157-061. “This man,” the letter continued, “has no regard whatever for life or limb, and nas not the manners of a gentleman.” The chairman: “This sort of thing should be reported, and I suggest that we forward the letter to the Otago Motor Association.” It was decided to act on the suggestion, a request being made that the number of the car should be published. General. The chairman and Mr Bridges were appointed to represent the Association at the half-yearly meeting of the South Island Motor Union, which will be held on Friday, March 27, in Christchurch.

Accounts amounting to £59 15s were passed for payment.