MOTORISTS ASK FOR PREFERENTIAL DUES FOR MEMBERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18940, 10 December 1929, Page 16

MOTORISTS ASK FOR PREFERENTIAL DUES FOR MEMBERS.

CHARGES ON CAMPING GROUNDS DISCUSSED.

A proposal to a sic a scenic board to make preferential charges in favour of Automobile Association members called forth strong opposition from Mr P. W. Johnston at last night's meeting of the Canterbury Automobile Association.

The discussion arose over a clause in the Roads Committee's report, that the Ilundalee Scenic Board be asked to double the charge for non-members of Automobile Associations. “I think that is wrong. We cannot differentiate between our members and the public on a public domain,” said Mr Johnston.

Mr J. L. Danks said that it would be an incentive for non-members to join if they were charged double. Mr F. W. Freeman said that the scheme was ideal from the association’s point of view, but scenic boards were in charge of properties for the bepefit of the general public. As the association’s representati\ e on the Ilundalee Board, Mr Freeman promised to do all in his power to get the suggestion through. Mr Johnston said that it would be a wrong move, and that the broad public view should be taken. “We will only be stultifying ourselves asking a public body to make a differential charge against the members of the. public. I am speaking on a matter of principle,” said Mr Johnston. “I arn quite satisfied that it is a wrong

“From a legal point of view, no doubt Mr Johnston is right.” said Mr F. D. Sargent, “but a certain association in the North Island got several thousand new members through similar tactics. We will have to harden our hearts in future in respect to public gifts.” Mr Danks said that the Southland Association was establishing camping grounds, and that information from these would be forthcoming as to the control of grounds. Discussing regulations for the control of camping grounds, Mr Danks said that they were very simple, and followed those used by almost every scenic board. Charges would influenced by the locality.

It. was decided to draft a set of rules for the control of camphi? sites.