THIRD PARTY INSURANCE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5153, 18 July 1927, Page 4

THIRD PARTY INSURANCE

PLEA FOR COMPULSION.

PLAINS COUNCIL APATHETIC

The Hauraki Plains County Council at its meeting on Thursday last had before it a request originating from the N.Z. Farmers’ Union for support for the legislation making it compulsory f,or every motorist to haie a third party cover against accident. It was pointed out that a considerable number of accidents occur, and it was found (generally too late) that no money was available for those injuied ones, aa there was no insurance (ind the driver was a man of straw. In the interests of the third party insurance against accident should be made compulsory.

A second resolution advocated that the Government should collect the premium along with the registration fee, and a third provided that after paying claims, and providing for reserves ami balances be handed to the Highways Board for road improvement.

Reasons cited why the foregoing principles should become law included the following : Compulsory protection of persons and property ; reduction in rate of premium ; more satisfactory mode of collection ; after provision for losses and reserves, profits to go to improvement of. roads ; recent comment by Mr Justice Reed, “Advocates of third party insurance need have no more striking argument than that presented in the case before the- Court to-day.”

Cr. Harris agreed with the whole matter with the exception of the clause providing that the ’surplus went to the roads. This should be used in reduction of premiums. Cr. Mayn opposed tiie matter, contending that it was- just another tax on motorists.

Cr. Harris moved that the two first clauses be supported, but that in lieu of the third clause it be recommended that the profits be utilised to reduce the premiums-.

Other councillors were- not sufficiently informed to pass an opinion and the motion lapsed for want of a seconder.

It was agreed that the circular lie on the table.