MOTORISTS’ WELFARE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 245, 15 October 1937, Page 12

MOTORISTS’ WELFARE

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION WANGANUI ORGANISATION PAST YEAR REVIEWED “The financial position is still better despite a substantial increase in expenditure,” states the annual report of the Automobile Association (Wanganui). “Subscriptions have increased from £1974 8s 8d to £2Bll 14s 5d which, with the other receipts, gives a total income of £3lOO 6s lOd. Although there was an increase in expenditure there remained an excess of income over expenditure of £3lO 3s 2d after writing off £l5B Is 2d as de-

preciation. “The increase in membership is nearly double what it was last year. The following is a comparison: Membership, August 31, 1936, 2001; less transfers, resignations, and struck off, 107—1894; plus new members, 996; total, 2890.

“With the introduction of “Get You Home” Service, it was found that there were often misunderstandings when a member owned two cars, one of which was occasionally driven by his wife. When both cars were in use the service, of course, could only apply to one car. Your executive

therefore decided that joint membership would be accepted from a member and his wife for the sum of £1 Ils 6d. Two membership cards, windscreen transfers, etc., are issued, and both are entitled to “Get You Home” Service when driving either car.

“To keep in touch with the members it was thought advisable to hold meetings fr>rn time to time in the towns throughout our district. List year meetings were held in Feilding and Taihape, and next year it is hoped to be able to hold meetings in Waverley, Marton, and Raetihi. The meetings created a considerable amount of local interest and were well attended, and as a result of the

Taihape meeting, Mr. T. C. Kincaid was appointed to represent the Tai-l-ape members and has attended the two executive meetings held since then

“The replies to th? enquiry cards sent out to members last February resulted in an overwhelming majority being in favour of doing away with l the metal badge altogether. However, as a result of becoming a party to the federation agreement with The Automobile Association, London, we are now entitled to use the A.A. badge specially designed for New Zealand. The first 50 received have nearly all been issued, and a further supply has been ordered. “As a contribution towards the cost □f improvements, donations of £25, £lO. and £5 respectively were made to Taihape, Raetihi, and Hunterville camp sites. The camp sites throughout our district are in the main well equipped and up to the standard of the majority of the camp sites in the North Island, and arc well worth inspecting, and even though the motorist may not be camping they always provide a pleasant spot for a meal. “Despite the increased membership the increase in the cost of “Get You Home” Service is not very great, which is no doubt due to the fact that a new patrol was appointed and that consequently more members received a service from our own patrols. “This year the third A.A. patrol was appointed. The association now owns three patrol cars and is therebyenabled to give increased service, which has resulted in the satisfactory increase in membership. During the year our patrols have attended 82 public gatherings and assisted over 190 members on rtie road. They have also laid out and supervised the parking areas at racecourses and showgrounds. Highway Improvements. “Wanganui-Raetihi: The work of improving and widening this road is progressing favourably, and a great improvement will be seen this Christmas by those who have not travelled over the road since last holiday*. Marton-Taihape: Due to numerow; representations by your executive, t!|? reconstruction work on this highway

is now making more satisfactory progress. The reconstructed portions are now consolidating and this highway should be in quite good order for the holiday touring this Christmas. San-son-Levin: This is practically all tarsealed with the exception of a short section between Sanson and Foxton and the road over the old Whirikino bridge. The work on the deviation is progressing satisfactorily and next year there should be no need to detour through Shannon on account of floods.

“With the completion of the direction signs last year, the signposting has been mostly the replacement of damaged and faded signs, additional school, danger, town information and 30 m.p.h. signs. “It has been decided to co-operate with the Transport Department in the “Safety First” campaign by erecting “major road ahead” signs on all byroads connecting with the main road from Whenuakura to Bulls. If it is considered that these are a factor in preventing accidents then they will be erected on the by-roads connecting with the other main roads throughout our district. “Forty-three of the 30 m.p.h. signs have been erected on the boundaries of all cities, boroughs, and town boards in our district. Recommendations for derestricting certain areas and erecting signs outside townships have been referred to the Transport 1 Department, and we are now awaiting their decision and authority to complete the signposting. “The thanks of the association are due to the Wanganui City Council, Wanganui County Council, Waitotara County Council, Patea County Council. Rangitikei County Council, and also the engineer, public works, Wanganui, for the consideration always extended to its representations, and also appreciation for the steady improvement that is being made on all main highways throughout our district. The executive also expresses its appreciation of the support of the local newspapers in devoting space to the publication of reports of the association's activities. I personally wish to thank all the members of the executive for the great assistance they have at all times rendered to me.”