MOTORING AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 67, 13 December 1920, Page 8

MOTORING AFFAIRS

N.Z. AUTOMOBILE UNION.

The Executivo Committee of the New Zealand Automobile Union met in Wellington last week, Dr. C. Prendergasfc Knight presiding. His Excellency the Governor-General wrote accepting the office of patron ot the union. , The Poverty Bay Association wrote suggesting that tho union take steps to have a 6et of uniform by-laws drawn up for submission to the Government, with a request that they b, 5 placed on the Statute Book. It was decide*! to collect from other places all, the information nvailablo (notably from Sydney), from which to draw up a set of recommendations to the Government. Tlie "Canadian Motorist" wrote, forwarding a new headlight law that had come into force in Ontario. The secretary stated that he had iwrused the new. law and found it to contain what this union had asked the Government to provide for in this country. It was decided to call the attention of the Minister of Internal Affairs to the matter. Tho bank balance' was reported to be, credit, JOT) Cs. 7d. ' . The subject of motor legislation was discussed, and it was stated thnt very little had lwen dono by the Government in tha direction of drafting the promised legislation. Ministers were making certain public utterances, but these appeared to he mainly quotations from ■ matter supplied by tho union in its various recommendations. The secretary made reference to what was being done at Home nnd laid before the meeting a precis of tho new lioad Traffic Bill recently drafted in England. The Bill provides for— (a) A maximum of heavy motors, (b) A comprehensive system of registration of all classes of mechanical road vehicles, (c) \ll drivers of such vehicles to bo licensed. Penalties for offences. Endorsement and suspension of such licenses. (A) Abolition of general speed limits of motor-cars and of speed limits in certain areas, (e) Hestriction of frame over bridges, (f) Lights for vehicles and animals, (g) Uniform warmng.signs. (h) Drastic treatment of car thieves. 0) •Ulviso'ry board of experts to be .set up to whom nil matters affecting legislation or regulation re motors shall be referred. It was decided to cable thoIt A.C. at once for some copies of tho new Bill, so that it misht he used in tin preparation of recommendations to <bo made to the New Zealand Government. The question of a North Island mam trunk road was considered, and it was deeded that-(a) The Tourist. Departme'it be asked to advise the union as to the best routes now. open and the state-; of the various roads, (b The Lands Detriment he asked to suppy the most tho new main north road would go.