MOTOR LICENSES

Evening Star, Issue 19791, 15 February 1928, Page 14

MOTOR LICENSES

QUESTION OF NUMBER PLATES Tho system of issuing the season’s new number plates for motor vehicles came in lor some criticism at last evening’s meeting of the Utago Motor Club. ■The Chiol Postmaster wrote giving notice concerning tho relicensing of motor vehicles lor the year 1928-1921). it was stated that the new plates, white or brown, would be available for issue from the lirst of next month. Early applications would be appreciated, and tlio present plates would be useless after March Ji. “ Motorists should get in early and avoid the crush,” advised the chairman (Mr A. E. Anscll). Mr Finch asked why motorists were not allowed to pul on their new number plates as soon as they were procured. Why should the authorities not Jet them put ou the plates any day after March IP

Mr W. Wright stated that he had heard they would ho allowed to attach thorn a fortnight before March Jl. Jf the Government asked motorists to help them by paying up 'early they certainly should return the help. He suggested that the department bo written to, and asked that motorists be allowed to attach their new number plates immediately the registration fee had been paid. Mr H. llalliday supported the suggestion, which, after being put in the form of a motion, was carried. | Later in the evening Air T. Scollay raised an objection to the whole system of number-plating. He maintained that the big plates disfigured private ears, and were not found necessary in England; he held that they were no more necessary here than in England, New Zealand not being any more prone than tho Home Country to the crime of dodging registration. In America, with its wide, open spaces, the conditions might lie different. In declaring that they could quite well lollow the English system the speaker moved that the club forward a remit on the subject to the next South Island confcrAlr llalliday : ‘‘£lo,ooo a year, perhaps more, is being wasted on the present system.” Air Anscll: “ £11,000.” Air llalliday: ‘Wc could do with the money for the Alilton road. This is a waste as far as motorists are concerned.” Mr Anscll; ”Ko one has fought harder than' I have for a change of the system. In England they have different colored licenses cadi year.” Air Do Doer stated that the matter had previously been relerred to a Minister of the Crown. The Government had said at the time that it wished to give its own system a trial first. Could motorists now ask il to point out where the. advantages lay? Air Wright: 11 Parliament should face tho music.” Afr llalliday: "Yes, a question by a member would bring tlio up.” Air Scollay’s motion was carried.