STATUS CHANGED.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17223, 5 October 1927, Page 8

STATUS CHANGED.

BRANCH TO AGENCY. HAMILTON MOTORISTS' DECISION. IMPORTANT QUESTION SETTLED. The much ventilated proposal to change the status of the Hamilton branch of the Auckland Automobile Association to that of an agency was definitely settled at a well-attended meeting of interested motorists in Hamilton last night, when the president of the local branch (Mr W. J. King) presided. The meeting, while productive of conflicting views and punctuated by frequent cross-argu-ments, was conducted with an entire absence of feeling. The- Auckland representatives present were Messrs A. Grayson, 11. G. Jones, J. B. King, P. Curd, J. Park and R. Champtaloup (service officer). The association at Hamilton, explained the chairman, was first formed in 1923, and the inaugural organisation was to remain as a branch of the Auckland Automobile Association. Following its inception, steps were taken in the direction of establishing an incorporated body, but the Auckland Association did not encourage that proposal. The matter was consequently dropped in deference to the Auckland Association's wishes, though steps had been taken legally to constitute the branch as a separate and incorporated organisation. The branch organisation carried on under the Auckland rules and the matter was again brought up at the annual meeting in 192(3, when there was a suggestion for an agency. The matter was considered by the executive several times, and the attitude taken up was that it was in the best interests of local motorists that Hamilton should remain a branch and not revert to the agency organisation, consensus of opinion being that branch status should be retained. Subsequently it was decided to convene a special meeting in order that the Auckland service officer (Mr R. Champtaloup) could state the case fully for the agency proposal and the meeting could determine whether it should change its organisation from a branch to an agency. t

What It fVleant, The chairman said the issue was an open one, but the constitution of the Auckland Association provided for the forming of agencies in its district, and he proceeded to define those rules. As a branch, Hamilton was a selfgoverning body responsible to the Auckland Association, but it controlled its own finances. An agency consisted of the members, and an elected committee conducted its business. All subscriptions and other funds were transmitted to the parent, association, which allocated their distribution itself for expenditure.

I Mr A. Grayson (vice-president of I the Auckland Association) said the | Hamilton branch was formed at the instigation of tiis association. Since then conditions had altered materially, road facilities between Hamilton and Auckland had greatly improved, and it was felt that the affairs of the existing brandies could be better conducted from the Auckland centre, making for better methods. The Auckland Association did not seek to control. Hamilton, but to extend its service system under efficient methods and dispense with varying schemes of organisation. The Auckland Association did not exist merely for the benefit of the city itself, but for the whole province. It felt that under existing conditions the contribution made lo its funds by the Hamilton branch was not a reasonable equity for the amount of service it was giving. All the facilities of the Auckland Association would bo at Hamilton's disposal in the. event of its becoming an agency and much more economical working would result. lie thought a very small percentage of the Hamilton branch's revenue had been expended on the roads. There was no desire to centralise, but. to give an efficient service to motorists in the North Island.

Auckland Representatives' Views. Mr Jones, in supporting the previous speaker, said that the agency system was conducted very soundly by the R.A.G. in England, and it was proposed to adopt - a similar method in New Zealand. A central organisation with agencies made for less overhead expenses in administration and more money was devoted to roadwork. A strong organisation had more influence than many scattered branches. The. Auckland Association was extending its facilities and service rapidly, and its work was only limited by the amount of funds at its disposal. Mr J. Park endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, and discounted the prevailing idea that Auckland's intention was to assume complete control without consideration for the needs of the branches. The proportion of work carried out from Auckland as a centre must be greater than that undertaken under the system of branch control, owing to the elimination of overhead expenses. It was not a question of concentrating in Auckland, but of obviating overlapping by following out Ihe one line of action. None could dispute the fact that it was unnecessary for the Auckland Association to function near the city itself. It wished to devote its services to the outside districts for the benefit of motorists generally, and nothing but a movement for the welfare of motorists generally had actuated them in making their suggestion for agencies to replace branches.

Personally, stated Mr Champtaloup, he felt it very strongly that Hamilton had in the past refused to co-operate by coming in with Auckland. It was actually blocking the extension of the association's services by not combining control. All had to sink the parochial sentiment to the common cause. He was recommending the establishment of a service bureau in Hamilton, and it was their object to give service by establishing a chain of agents from the North Cape to the most distant territory under the association's control, which would extend to the boundary of Taranaki and penetrate to Hawke's Bay. They were not seeking to take anything from Hamilton, but to give something, and up to the present the offer had not been accepted.

Mr W. J. King (chairman) pointed out that Hamilton was contributing to the Auckland Association 7s Gd out of every £1 Is subscription. He would not express his own views as he wished to be impartial, but he invited questions on the proposal.

Discussion of Suggestion. Dr. F. D. Pinfold said the only matter he could bring forward was a cold fact from the balance-sheet. Out of £2BO collected at. Hamilton £OO was forwarded to Auckland, in addition to £25 arrears, while £l2O was absorbed in internal economy expenses, if that could he termed, economy. He for

one had changed his views on the subject in the past few months. Mr Park pointed out that while £9O was sent by Hamilton to Auckland, over £IOOO had been spent south of Auckland by ' the association. An agency would prevent duplication of office expenses. Mr W. J. King stated that if Hamilton's contribution lo Auckland was not considered sufficient return for the service received, the executive could always consider the question of increasing that quota.

Mr F. W. Luxford said he was fully in accord with the proposal to change the constitution of the Hamilton organisation. In the past about 8s or 9s had been spent out of every £1 Is subscription in office expenses. Another reason for his support for the change was that the Hamilton branch must become ultimately part and parr eel of the Auckland Association, and similarly the latter body would become part and parcel of a North Island Association. The sooner that was recognised the better.

Mr E. N. Valentine slated that it was disconcerting to hear Mr Luxford, who was on the executive, say in effect that it was Incapable of managing its affairs in a business-like manner. Money had been thrown away in the past, he alleged, but the present executive was able to conduct its affairs on a business-like Joasis. He thought that if the funds continued to be administered from Hamilton better results would accrue, and it seemed to lu'm that the greater the number of associations the more weight they carried in putting matters before Parliament.

The Proposaf Supported, Mr E. P. Cowles said.he was practically a new member of the Hamilton executive, but he had never been dubious as to which attitude to adopt. It seemed to him to be a mistake to have a separate body functioning inside the territory of another, and he supported the agency proposal.

Mr E. M. Masters stated he had felt for some time the Hamilton Association had not given service in proportion to the -funds it received. He also favoured the agency organisation.

Conflicting views were held on the subject by others, who thought local matters could be better attended lo by a branch than an agency. Another stated that he had not favoured an agency formerly although advocating an increase in the contribution to the Auckland Association's funds as compensation for the service given, but after hearing the arguments advanced by the. Auckland representatives he was now inclined to regard the agencyproposal favourably.

Mr G. Cox said he came with an independent view, and was convinced that the Auckland Association had given service considerably exceeding in value the funds remitted from Hamilton.* He had come to the conclusion that if the agency organisation was adopted it would eliminate unnecessary administrative expenses, allowing a larger contribution to be made to the Auckland Association, which had given service irrespective of the degree of monetary support received.

Mr W. King thought an agency could be carried on more economically than a branch.

Mr Grayson added that the establishment of aifagency at Hamilton would serve the dual purpose of giving better service and conducting the financial side economically. Local interests would not be interfered with.

Adoption of Scheme. Mr N. Johnson said he had always felt the New Zealand motorist could have nothing but admiration for the sign-posting work carried out by the Auckland Association. He had a perfectly open mind on the question, but he had yet to be satisfied that greater economy would follow the proposed change, while Hamilton's voice in the administration of its affairs would be that of one man only, representing a majority resolution. An agency might be worth a trial, but he would like to have an assurance whether or not that would be an irrevocable step. The chairman said he thought that if the change was made it would be difficult to retrace their steps.

Another said the parochial element had too strong a bearing on the question, and Hamilton should realise the increased, efficiency which would result from the reversion to an agency.

An Auckland representative stated that the proposed step was not an experiment, but one proved by practice in England. It would rest a great deal with the Hamilton executive as to what form the agency itself would take. He gave the assurance that with the change the same service at least would be given for less cost.

Mr Champtaloup finally explained fully the great extent of the service which the Automobile Association was offering.

Mr E. M. Masters then moved the following resolution: —"That it is the opinion of this meeting that a change in the organisation of the Hamilton branch to that of an agency is in the best interests of the motorists in the districts and will be conducive to the promotion of the welfare of the Auckland Automobile Association." The proposal to revert to an agency was carried on a show of hands. Jt was resolved that the matter of making arrangements to put the decision into effect be left to the executive, with power to act and consult the Auckland Council.