CONVERSION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 144, 14 March 1939, Page 10

CONVERSION OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Offences By Borstal

Escapees

SOUTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION REMIT By Telegraph—Press Association. NELSON, March 13. The problem of car conversion came before the half-yearly meeting of the South Island Motor Union when a Southland delegate introduced the following remit .dealing witli the subject: That in view of the increasing number of Borstal institution escapees who convert ears ami frequently cause extensive damage, the South Island Motor* Union make representations to the Minister of Justice asking that steps be taken to check such escapes, and that the North Island Motor Union be asked to collaborate. The speaker gave details of escapes and ear conversions. A certain amount of liberty was given the Borstal lads ahd they al times were away from the close attention of officers and sometimes got away. The chairman, Mr. AV. R. Carey, said they could see that there was a tremendous amount of wastage and damage caused by escapees. Mr. Main said that Oamaru -was in the track of these escapees ami several motorists had suffered, but it was generally their own fault for not locking their cars and garages. The speaker said he thought better control should be exercised. He also considered motorists should be more careful oi their own property. Mr. A. Grayson (N.1.M.U.) asked that the remit be widened to extend to other types of ear conversions, and from a Dominion point of view he would like the 5.1.A1.U. to make representations to the Minister on all car conversions. The chairman said that the Minister had already been approached on the general question of conversions. Mr. S. A. Gibbs (vice-president) asked what proportion of car conversions were by escapees. One delegate replied that by unofficial figures the proportion, was low. Mr. Grayson said that he could not agree with Mr. Main altogether that motorists were to blame. If cars were not available on streets those wanting them would get them somehow. Mr. J. R. Leggo (Nelson) thought ■their appeal should be to the magistracy to deal with offenders more severely. Conversion or Theft. The chairman said it was a question of conversion or theft, and the heading under which car converters were charged was generous. Motorists had reason to be apprehensive. Mr. J. 8. Hawkes (executive) said there was the further question of the safety of road users, as many of these young offenders could not drive properly. Dr. Gibbs said Nelson was not quite in favour of the wording of the remit, as there was not sufficient information as to the proportion of offences by escapees. He moved as an amendment that, in conjunction with the N.1.M.U., further representations be made to the Ministers of Justice and Transport about the illegal conversion of motorvehicles, and that the attention of the Ministers be drawn to the participation in these offences of escapees from Government reformative institutions.

Air. McClelland: Suppose we ask that the term “conversion” be abolished and make it straight out theft? Dr. Gibbs: They won’t agree to it. Air. Alain agreed to the amendment, and said he was pleased that the scope of the remit was widened. The remit was carried.