AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1933, Page 5

AUTOMOBILE ASSN.

WESTLAND BRANCH THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD. The annual meeting of the Westland branch of the Canterbury Automobile Association wag held last, evening, the president (the Rev. H. J. W, Knights) presiding ovc r an attendance of ten members. The .report stated it was pleasing that an effort had been made to revive interest in the local 'branch, but the support given throughout the year was not encouraging. The present stringency had caused a number of motorists to withdraw from the Association, while others had not renewed their license. The branch had done good work in the erection of signs and safety notices along the main highways. Mr W. J. Radford had interested himself in the improved facilities for loading and unloading of motors by train at Otira and Springfield. The branch hail also endeavoured to keep the attention of the authorities directed toward the need for better reading. The president (the Rev. H. J. W. Knights) had been a keen worker in Ids efforts to incre; ce the membership and maintain interest. It was regretted - that Mr J. 6. 'Langford had resigned from his position as •'branch, -representative 'on the parent body, There was evidence'throughout W€l3timid of the Association’s good work, and it wag to be hoped that interest would be maintained. The report was adopted. Dr E. Teichelmann, moving the adoption of the balance sheet, carteo attention to the fact that the membership was still o,n the lean side. The motion was seconded by Mr Baker and carried.

The following officers were elected ; President, Dr E. Teichelmann; vicepresidents, Messrs W. J. Radford and H. M. iCoulson; council, Messrs J. J. Mclntosh senr., J. J. Mclntosh junr., H. Newman, A. N. Baker and C. H. Guthrie; secretary and treasurer, 'Mr L llernahan

The meeting passed a- very hearty vote of thanks to the retiring secretary, Mr Richards. It was decided that the council have power to add to its number, Dr Teichelmann stressing the desirability of having igouiTry representatives on the council in order that interest may he created smd maintained in the surrounding and other outside districts. Mr J. 'O. Wright and the Rev. H. L. 'Hamilton (-Humana), were elected members of the branch.

Mr W. F. Harley, secretary of the Canterbury v •Asso>ciatffm-' , -’'"'‘'urge(t""” ; tlie branch to agitate against the contem plated demolition of a scenic reserve o n the main highway near the Little Wanganui, where a timber mill was pro* posing to commence operations.

■Members said that the reserve referred to w,n,s a beautiful area, and it- was decided that the Minister of Tourist Department be requested to recommend the conservation of a belt of at least three chains of the timber o„ each side of the road.

An application for 'die position of secretary to the branch -was received, but no -action was taken as nomination of officers wn 6 required to be in the hands of -the secretary a week prior t<. the metfing.

Mr J. Ward' said he understood that Weld Street was a main highway, and he suggested that the bvr.nch endeavour to have this thoroughfare kept in better order. It was decided that the authorities he approached with this end in view.

Mr Knights drew attention to the frequency of the cessation of traffic at Weld Street crossing while shunting was in progress. The Stafford Street crossing hd been closed to enable shunting to he carried out without interfering; 'with Weld Street traffic. M'r 'Coulson ®aid that the matter had beq n brought before the Railways I department before, and he did not think that anything could be done in the matter. He thought that the local railway officials whenever possible did what they could to facilitate matters. Mr Radford endorsed the last remarks of the previous speaker. Mr Ward said that- some local motoring some time ago decided to import petrol. Could it not be obtained from some other source than Russia, some 'country that was less hostile to Britain. Dr ffeichelmann said that so long our commercial men purchased from Russia and the Government permitted it, he did not think they could do much. After all, people would always deß in the cheapest market.

Mr Ward considered that Associated Motorists should be approached pointing out that if petro.l were obtained from another source than Russia, it would meet with increased favour among motorists.

Dr Teiehelmann said that he did not think they could t;ke up any attitude of petty international jealousies.

Mr Coulson thought that it was time that users of the roads other than motorists, were forced To observe strictly the rules of the road. He referred especially to cyclists who did not use lights at night and who careered all over the rqad on the appro'ch. of motor cars. There was no reason why a, cyclist should not also observe the correct side of the road. He thought the authorities should be enlisted in an effort to enforce this. Further, motorists might combine in reporting cyclists who failed to observe the rules of the road. He decided that the matter bo brought-before the local police depart-

meat, and that the • support-• of the Greymouth branch be sought. Mv Knight s asked why , they shou’d confine their complaints to cyclists. House drawn vehicles were also another serious factor. The motion was carried. Mr Mclntosh said there ‘was also the nuisance of the slow driver, especially in summer tame, who took possession o'the road and remained there, refusing to permit others to pass him. Mr Mclntosh drew' attention to the urgency of extending the main South road, which was of the'utmost importance. If completed, the road to Haast. Pass would he one of the greatest national assets. Dr Teichelmaatti said that the ’-chairman of the Railway Advisory. Board was also in favour. ? It wa B decided that a letter be sent to the Public Works Department bringing the matter forcibly before its nMAe*