SOUTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION

Evening Star, Issue 22146, 28 September 1935, Page 22

SOUTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION

BRAKES AND HEADLIGHTS DISCUSSION [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, September 27. Matters of interest to motorists were discussed at the annual meeting of the South Island Motor Union to-day. Delegates from all parts of the South Island, as well as representatives of the North Island Motor Union and the Main Highways Board, were present," and / the meeting was presided over by Mr F. W. Johnston. The following remit came forward from South Canterbury;—“ln view of the large number of motor cars with glaring,headlights, this union considers it advisable that some regulation should be asked for making it compulsory'for motorists, when registering or renewing the registration of a motor vehicle, to produce satisfactory evidence that the headlights and brakes conform with the regulations.” Mr.J. M. Jenkins (South Canterbury) said that the prime object of the remit was safety. Most motor accidents were caused either by glaring headlights or faulty brakes. It was not suggested that the proposal would eliminate the danger, but it would go far towards minimising it. Mr F. G. O’Beirne seconded the motion. Mr J. Haigh (Southland) moved as an amendment: —“ That in the interests of safety on the road the South Island Motor Union should recommend all motorists to have their brakes and headlights inspected frequently.” Mr P. W. Breen (Otago) said that what was wanted was to get at the irresponsible motorist who did not care what condition his brakes or headlights were in. Mr Haigh’s amendment would not help in making them do anything. Mr.J. M. Jenkins (South Canterbury)' said that Mr Haigh’s amendment would do no good at all. The amendment was carried by 14 votes to 12. Mr Breen moved and Mr Haigh seconded: —“That the Transport Department should be asked to enforce the regulations about the efficiency of brakes on motor cars.” —The motion was carried. . In a discussion on the Eglmton Valley road, and particularly of the action of the Government in declaring it a main highway before its completion, Mr W. O’Callaghan (North Island) said that in this matter the Minister had over-ridden the Main Highways Board. Everybody wanted the road completed, but the principle involved was important. It was decided to continue the union’s protest against the Government’s action. It was decided that the next quarterly meeting ot the union should be held at Blenheim. Officers were elected as follows: — Patron, the Governor-General (Lord Galway) ; president, Mr D. J. Wesney (Southland) ; vice-presidents—Messrs S. A. Gibbs (Nelson), F. J. Williams (North Otago), and J. PnlJiser (South Canterbury) ; executive—Messrs W. R. Carev, R. R. Harman, R, H. Parker, 11. C. Harley, E. J. Bradshaw, F. W. Freeman, and E. J. Anderson; secretary, Mr P. Hardy.