AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1928, Page 1

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER sth.

A conference of tlie Greyinouth and Hokitika branches of the Automobile Association was held at the County Chambers, Hokitika, at i.p.hn Tlie' following delegates represented tlie ■ Greymouth branch-Messrs F. Parley, W. P. Haniblotoii, G. Barker,’ Thos. Baty, and Inspector Sloss. There was a fair representation of the Hokitika branch. ■ ■. V "‘v Mr D. P. Stuart, President: of the Hokitika Branch acted as Chairman., Apologies for the absence of Dr McKay and Dr Teichelmniin were made. The Chairman welcomed the Greymouth delegates,'and said that a con-

ference of the two branches would greatly assist to obtain road improvements, and other objects of tlie Automobile Association. Mr G. Barker stated their main work was to push on Tourist' Association work, and it would be better for Greymouth and Hokitika, branches to work

together for the whole district, instead of solely for each town. He felt sure they could obtain outside support, and from past experience the Canterbury Association would always assist the Coast branches in securing important requirements. many road improvements were required, the had corners on the Stafford and Waimea roads should receive attention; also several bad corners on the Main South Hoad. He specially wished to mention the necessity of urging the authorities to go ahead with the road from- Flowery Creek to Kumara. This .would greatly shorten the journey between the two towns, hlid prove to he of great benefit to motorists, and tourist traffic generally.

Mi- T. Ilaty said the Government seemed to have the wrong idea regarding the effect the Kapitea Road would have on the railway traffic. He end not think the railway passenger traffic on tins- particular line amounted to much in the way of revenue, and it must he admitted that most people would prefer travelling by motor instead of by rail, especially when the railway service was so slow, due to frequent stops along this section ol the line. The proposed road would not affect the Railway Department’s principal freights such as timber, etc. Tourist traffic was increasing, and better and shorter roads should be some of their principal objects. Ho also considered that the Awaturia Railway Bridge should he converted into a traffic bridge, and thereby lessen the cost of the proposed work. In regard to labour, there was plenty of unemployed to do the work, as about 179 men were at present idle at Blackball. Mr T. W. Duff explained that what money had been spent was principally to give access to settlors, and he felt sure that the whole local district would support the proposal, and endeavour to get the authorities to complete the Kapitea Road. Mr J. Turner said so far the Government had turned the Kapitea Road proposal down, probably because it was thought the road would seriously complete with tile railway. Ho was of the opinion that it tile people of this district wanted the road made they should get it. At the same time he thought that a road to link up Hokitika, Lake Mahinapua, and Ruatnpu was more important, and should he urged in preference to the Kapitea Road.

Mr W.' P. Hambleton said that twenty people would use the Kapitea Road to every six that would use the Ruatapu Road. Mr T. W. Duff explained that the amount of money allotted to the district was naturally limited and they scould concentrate on the most urgent works.

Mr F. Harley stated they should concentrate on getting the Kapitea Hoad constructed, as it would he of considerable benefit to motorists aliil tourists, and they should ask all local bodies, and the Canterbury Association to support their request. Mr T. W. Duff moved that Strong representations ho made by this .conference to bring the. proposed Knpffea load prominently before - the Government, all local bodies and the Canterbury Association, and solicit their support. As considerable expenditure was lying dormant the road should he completed for public use. It would he availed of largely once it was opened.

The motion was seconded hv Mr J. Turner and carried unanimously.

Mr F. Harley explained the many benefits' that members of the. Automobile Association were entitled to, and he also urged that all membets should support the Automobile Insurance scheme which was proving a considerable saving in premiums, and was being conducted on sound business lines. He also stated that supplies ofpetrol were now coming- td hand, and could be obtained from the Canterbury Association. Mr Harley entered a strong protest against the new regulations, regarding “ Reflectors.” The cost of these reflectors to the'motorists of New Zealand was ' about £25,000, and they were absolutely useless, and he was pleased to note that- strong protests were being made by various associations.

Inspector Sloss explained several matters relating to the new regulations, and said ho was pleased strong protests were being made against the “Reflectors.” He did not consider they would serve any useful purpose; and in the first place they should have been standardized not only in design, but also in price. ....

Mr T. Baty agreed that “Reflectors” should be standardized, hut in regard to.price the garages* were .not able to make a standard price, because various kinds were being sold. It was resolved that a strong protest be made against the use of reflectors. It also was agreed to hold a conference of the Greymouth and Hokitika

I branches every three months. 3lr T. IV. Duff thanked the ,Grey- | mouth delegates for their attendance, ! which-lvas greatly appreciated.-. I The chairman expressed pleasure at I meeting the Greymouth delegates, and telt sure that they would secure hiany of their objects by co-operation.. . He. wished to thank Mi: F. Harley for theinformation supplied on several iihpor-. taut automobile matters, aikl especially in regard to the insurance scliehle and • no doubt most members would avail themselves of the special -benefits^;;-; Mr ,G. Barker thanked t-lie Hokitika members for their kind welcome, find expressed the opinion that by working together they would "lie successful iii‘ securing many district improvements for tourists and motorists generally.- . • The conference concluded at 5.30 p.m.