MOTORISTS' AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 46, 18 November 1920, Page 6

MOTORISTS' AFFAIRS

ANNUAL MEETING OF AUTOMOBILE •) CLUB.

Tho Wellington Automobile Club held its annual general meeting on Tuesday afternoon, the president,, Dr.. Prendergast Knight, being ill 'the chair. Thero was a good attendance of members. Prior to the ordinary business, Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., gave some interesting details relating to the supply and purchase of petrol in California. Ho had received a quantity of petrol at 235. a case, but later advices indicated that, it was not possible to secure it at this price at the present timo! It was apparent, however, that, petrol could be imported at a much less cost 'to users than the prices now obtaining in New Zealand, but the low* rate of exchange was a matter 'to bo considered in this connection. When ho left California tlio cost per gallon was from 23 to 25 cents at tha service stations. Twfiity-tjve cents was regarded as a fair retail price. The cost of refining petrol was 41 cents per Ration at the rofinerios in California. Workmen employed there—and they all had their cars—were able to get petrol at. 6 cents (3d.) per.gallon, and this amount represented a slight profit. The gasolene quostion was a eery queer one, as shown in* t'Tro adviefft from different- iirais in. the same State.- -There was considerable variance in the quotations. ..... Tho remarks were followed with interest by thoso present, and after answering several questions, Mr. Wilford aceordod a vote of thanks. In moring the adoption of the annual report, and balance-sheet, the president reforred to various matters which had been considered, by tho association during tho year. In connection with the tax on tyres, tho association had Twn wise m the course it had adopted. Other bodies had mado objections to the Government, but this association still considered that tho tax it had suggested was the fairest. It was to 1)0 regretted that 1 nrlla had concluded its session without settling the question of drivers licenses. Ihe i'ssuo of licenses to drivers was regarded as a very great Safeguard against the stealing of cars that was going on. Jho ".safch'-ttTst" campaign mul tho question of road improvement and construction, were amfflig uthor matters in winch tho association had been actively concerned. In conclusion, the president emphasised, the need for the banding togotlier of all motori«fcs. . . , , During a discussion which follo<\ca, Messrs. Stuart Wilson «nd Buxton spoke of the importance of (lie benzine question. Mr. Buxton declared that tho future of New Zealand's industries was wrapped' up in this matter, and IkJ W' l that the association should do all tnat it possiblv could to bring down tho price of benzin'o. Mr. Wilson suggested that tho matter should be taken up more onergctically with tho Prime M!» stcl .- . was vlear from what Mr. Wilford had said that petrol cnuld b« secured at a much cheaper rate. The report and balance-sheet wero adopted. Officers were ?] cctp !>A 3 follow:—President, 1)t. KniEW; vice-pre#idents;v Mcsfiti. v,. M Banks, and. W. 1 Stuart Wilson; committee, Messrs.. S. Underwood, Ji. JDonne, J. J. Willmmson, H. W. Lloyd,. L R. Partridge, W. l'ryor, and «. Manlell: auditor, Mt. W. S. ' secretary and, treasurer. Mr. 11. J-