AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 23683, 17 September 1940, Page 10

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

DIFFICULT YEAR FOR MOTORISTS PETROL AND THE INDUSTRY The fact that in spite of a difficult year the membership of the Automobile Association (Otago) has shown a steady increase is recorded in the annual report of the executive, to bo presented at the annual meeting on September 21. This increase was made despite the fact that the service officers’ operations were very much restricted in consequence of the petrol position, the number of members on the roll at August 31 being 6,074. EFFECT OF RESTRICTIONS. “ Thu executive views with very great concern the effect the drastic restriction on petrol is having upon the motor industry in the Dominion,” the report continues. “ The industry is one of the largest in the Dominion, and has become inextricably interwoven with every part of New Zealand’s economic and social structure. Dor the year ended March 31, 1939, revenue amounting to £6,263,397 from motor vehicles was paid into the Consolidated Fund, and this sum represents more than 17 per cent, of the total Consolidated Fund receipts, and if other contributions- such as land tax, income tax, sales tax, etc., were added it would be seen that the industry contributes over 20 per cent, of Government internal revenue.

“ Evidence is accumulating which indicates that the restrictions are not a war measure, and have been introduced to conserve sterling funds. It is considered that motorists have again been unfairly treated in comparison with other sections of the community. The position at the present time is that the association, together with allied organisations, is making further representations for a relaxation of the restrictions, because we feel that the sacrifice we are called upon to make is unjustified. In England (where there is a real war on) the restrictions are not so severe as they are here, and that is also the position in Australia. Canada has also decided against any restrictions, on account of the certain disruption of trade.

“ Every motorist is ready and willing to do his utmost to help to win the war, but as this restriction is definitely not a war measure, we arc not being disloyal by our continued efforts to obtain a more liberal allowance.” OTHER SERVICES. The executive had been active in many matters of vital interest to members. These matters included representations made through the South Island (N.Z.) Motor Union in respect to legislation in connection with taxation, absolute liability of motorists, and petrol restrictions. Improvements to roads in the Otago district and city traffic problems had been dealt with direct by the executive. With reference to petrol restrictions, it should bo noted that the association was represented on the local Fuel Advisory Committee, and that, the secretary was available at any time to give advice and any help possible to members in connection with their application for petrol supplies. During the past year he had given this help and advice to hundreds of members. Signposting would always remain one of the most important functions of the association, and this year signs totalling 1,134 had been erected in the province, in addition to repairs and replacements, and surveys and inspections had been regularly carried out. The extent to which members were taking advantage of the free breakdown service scheme was reflected in the accounts, which disclosed that the expenditure under this’heading for the year amounted to £202. This valuable service, available to members in any part of New Zealand, was designed to meet any emergency when uniformed patrols were not available, and was availed of by 325 members during the year. Although motoring had been very much restricted during the year, with the exception of a short period over Christmas and New Year, the revenue from the Tahuua Park motor camp was only £26 less than the previous year. The association, in conjunction with tho A. and P. Society, had effected extensive improvements to the camp, these including a largo conmiu-

nity dining hall, wash tubs, extra wash basins, conveniences, etc. TRANSPORTATION SECTION FORMED. Soon after the outbreak of war a transportation section was formed in Dunedin under the chairmanship of Mr H. L. Gibson (a member of the executive), and this unit, under the command of Mr T. Y. Turner (another executive member) was trained in assembly, manoeuvre, signals, etc., and was ready at any time to perform any duties which might be assigned to it. While the executive would continue its policy of giving the maximum possible service to members, it would also continue to make its organisation available to assist in any war or national emergency, also any defence or patriotic activities which might bo required. The executive had agreed to pay its portion of the eost of two ambulances to be presented by the Automobile Associations of Now Zealand to the Defence Department, and when available these machines would he used for the benefit of the soldiers in camp in New Zealand.