MOTORISTS CONFER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5185, 30 September 1927, Page 3

MOTORISTS CONFER.

ADDRESS BY A.A.A. OFFICIAL. ENTHUSIASTIC PAEROA MEETING. With the increase in the number of privately owped motor-cars and the improvement to the roads in the district motorists have felt the need for some meians of social intercourse, and a source from which reliable information can be obtained on all matters pertaining to road travel. With a keen desire to help and ad- | vise district motorists, a visit, was paid by Mr R. Champtaloup, chief service officer, Auckland Automobile Association, to Paej-qa on Wednesday. In the evening he addressed a large and enthusiastic gathering of motorists at the Centenary Halt The Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) presided,; and after extending a welcome; to Mr Champtaloup, stated that he had been a member of the A.A.A. for over 14 years, and it had given him pleasure to convene the meeting. In introducing Mr Champtaloup the Mayor said that he had known him for the last 21 years, and it was a matter for congratulation that the A.A.A. had been fortunate in securing the services of Mr Champtaloup, In the early /lays of the association’s career there did not. appear to be any benefits derived by becoming a member, but since Mr Champtaloup had been appointed chief service officer the position had been entirely altered. In passing, the Mayor said that probably the meeting would feel better acquainted with Mr Champtaloup if it was mentioned that he was the man who had ridden a motorcycle out of the crater of Mt. Eden, and had, some time later, ridden a big Harley-Davidson motor-cycle to the top of Bald Spur, Te, Aroha; both super-human efforts and stunts before unattempted. Mr Champtaloup later turned similar pluck, resourcefulness, and enthusiasjn to commercial. account and for the benefit and comfort of motorists. There was no doubt that motorists of the province owed a deep debt of gratitude to the services and activities of Mr Champtaloup.

On rising to address the gathering Mr Champtaloup thanked the Mayor for his welcome and kind remarks, and apologised for the absence of Mr Park, a member of the Auckland executive, who, had intended to be present at the meeting. WORK OF THE A.A.A. In outlining the work of the A.A.A. Mr Champtaloup said that it did something more than merely erect signposts. The A.A.A. was composed of those motorists who, believing unity was strength, had combined to better motoring conditions generally, and were out to promote the greatest amount of good for the largest number. In the observance of by-laws, and; in the resistance of unreasonable-by-laws, the A.A.A. was doing great work. In Auckland the association had the assurance of the City Council that no by-law affecting motorists would be passed without first being submitted to the. association. If the association thought the by-law was equitable, then it did all in its Shower to enforce a due observance of it, and there was no bickering or illfeeling with local bodies. In 1898 Mr Geo. Henning started the Good Roads movement, and much valuable information was obtained and good work done. In 1918 Messrs M. H. Wynyard, G. W. Hutchinson, and GHenning formed the Good Roads Association,* and by logical and persistent representations induced the Government to instigate the necessary legislation from which came the Main Highways Board and, later, Motor Vehicles Bill. Referring to taxation, the speaker compared the taxes in the Dominion with those obtaining in England, and pointed out that every tyre entering

the Dominion was subjected to a tax f of 25 per cent. It would be conceded ? that such ,a tax was equitable, and that more money would 'have to be found by means of taxation if motorists desired improved road conditions. Motorists who used the Hauraki Plains route from Auckland to Paeroa owed a deep debt of gratitude to the A. A. A., which had taken the matter in hand. Although the road was "ffot yet by any m&an§ a flrst-class highway so far as portions were concerned, it was at least passable.. Travelling round the country, it was most noticeable the progress that the towns made in every district wheer a marked improvement in roads had been made. SIGNPOSTING. Some 18 mpnths ago the A.A.A. started out to erect 500 signpoets. It a tall order, but within two years 2700 signposts had been erected. The first intention was to name, the main routes, but later many more signs were erected. A proposal was now under way which would involve five years’ work. All main roads would be numbered, and other indications given which would be visible to motorists without difficulty, and it was also hoped to erect signs on a ( great number of subsidiary roads, so as to give motorists a greater change of routes. The programme] was an ambitious one, but it could be carw ried out with the co-operation and support of members. ADVANTAGES iOF MEMBERSHIP. Derailing the advantages of active membership in the A.A.A., Mr Champtaloup said that the association nad •9 developed a hotel concession scheme a motorist, his wife, and family could save approximately from Is to 2s‘6d a day each at recognised A.A.A. hotels. The association had also defined recognised camping sites for motorists. Apart from the pleasure and novelty of camping on a tour, having the knowledge that they were not trespassing, it frequently meant a big saving to motorists touring with a family. Considerable help had been given the association by some local bodies, who had provided facilities at camping areas. In such instances a small, fee was charged , motorists, and that money wasf cirin the town in which the area was situated. Much ''g®od accrued in that way apart from the money spent by the motorists in the shops of the t, ownships.

Another feature of the association’s activities was the compilation of accurate road maps which showed

metal, clay, and sand roads, together with mileages between points. Special attention was given to the drawing up of touring itineraries with all possible information. When a member advised the association that he intended to make a particular tour he could be supplied with what was known as a loose-leaf touring itinerary, which contained the fullest details for that trip. Such information was more complete than that supplied in the present Standard road guide books. At the present time the association was working on -a map of the North Island, drawn to a scale and divided into eight sections This map, which would be retailed to members only at Is each, would contain full details of roads, accommo- ■ dation, and other valuable information. So far as touring itineraries were concerned, the A.A.A. had compiled nearly. 200 different trips, from Spirits Bay in thei north to Pal User Bay in the south. The demand from motorists for information about tours had made it necessary for the association to prepare itineraries for the whole of the North Island. Every touring road in the North Island had beien covered by A.A.A. patrols, and the fullest information obtained. Agents for the association had been appointed throughout the country, and there motorists on tour might call and secure any information or advice. OVERSEA MOTORISTS. Naw Zealand motorists visiting overseas who were members of the association were provided with letters of introduction to the headquarters of kindred associations throughout the world. In England Ithey were introduced to the Royal Automobile Club, where every hospitality was shown and facilities placed at their disposal The A-A.A. also had a professional engineer in England who was available to give; full information and advice to New l Zealanders who desired to purchase a car. INSURANCE SCHEME.

An insurance, for members had been instituted by the A.A.A.. continued Mr Champtaloup. Under its provisions members were given a better polity, which could be effected at a saving of 20 per cent, on thq existing rates. BY-LAWS AND ACTS.

Dealing with prosecutions of motorists under local body by-laws, the speaker 'said that the association was out to resist unreasonable by-laws, and also inequalities that might occur in bringing down legislation. Prosecutions’of motorists were sometimes not fairly laid, and frequently were undefended when brought to court. The association had adopted a policy that no motorist was guilty until proven, and it had adopted a scheme which would provide, free legal advice and defence when required on all by-law and Motor Vehicles . Act cases; but the scheme did not apply to civil cases. Throughout all departments the association was steadily growing, and motorists daily were recognising and ■ acclaiming the value of the organisation. Thq value of the association was that as- it progressed the greater the work that could be done. Such matters as roadside telephones, scouts, and first-aid stations on highways were some, of the objects; to be put into effect in the future. It was also hoped to appoint an outside service officer to relieve the speaker of some of his work, so that he would be in a better position to do more intensive work at headquarter’s. LOCAL AGENT APPOINTED.

In announcing that Messrs Hare Bros., Belmont Road, Paeroa w had been appointed local agents for the A.A.A. Mr Champtaloup appealed to the meeting to join tihe association and assist by active membership and co-operation. ~ The local agents would be able to give full information, and from them membership cards could be obtained and membership fees paid. The association’s financial year ended on May 31, and similar to other organisations, it was desirable that subscriptions should be paid before that date.' Only financial members could participate; in the association’s advantages and privileges.

In conclusion the speaker counselled the meeting not to be content to pay the guinea a year, accept the privileges, and run away with the idea that they were good members. What was necessary for members to do was to talk association to their friends, be enthusiastic, and never lose an opportunity of getting a friend to sign a form of membership QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

At th© invitation of the Mayor a number of questions were asked, and were satisfactorily answered by Mr Champtaloup. To Mr W. F. Johnstone he said that the association did not favour the proposed petrol tax in its present form. When the suggested tax had been mooted some, 18 months ago careful inquiry was made from all A.A.A. agents, and the information gleaned showed clearly that the petrol .tax was not favoured. The Government had given a solemn promise that no further tax on motorists would be levied at present. If the revenue accruing from such a tax was wholly devoted to maintaining good roads he did not think there would be serious objection raised. Until the Government notified the form the tax would take, how it was to be administered, and by whom, the association would keep open a watchful eye. Local bodies could rest assured that the A.A.A. was sympathetic to the man who lived on a subsidiary road and had a clay road to traverse. To Mr E. Edwards Mr Champtaloup said that the hire of the association’s badge to members was 10s 6d during the whole time the motorist remained an active member. If a member was struck off the association’s books, or gave, up motoring, the badge was recalled. It was worthy of note that the association s badge was incorporated with the Royal Automobile Association in England, and for that reason the badge could not be used on a motor-car

which plied for hire. The membership was a personal matter, and the restrictions with regard to the badge were stipulated by the R.A.C. To Mr E. N. Davies the speaker said that the. association’s relations with the Auckland City Council’s traffic department and the Police department were of the friendliest possible. A number of informations had been laid and convictions obtained by the fjpe,aker himself. The official journal of the A.A.A. was the N.Z. motorists journal which was published at Auckland and contained full information of the activities of the various associations. The A.A.A. also published a year-book, which was forwarded to members together with a notice that subscriptions were due and when the annual meeting would be held. In reply to Mr Johnstone Mr Champtaloup st.ated that the formation of branches of the association were not favoured, and practical experience had proved that centralisation and appointment of local agents was more economical and satisfactory. The establishment of clubrooms at Auckland had been seriously considered, and although a suitable suit of rooms were obtainable; at a nominal rental the executive did not feel justified in spending the money, as it was the considered opinion that every penny collected for many years to come should be spent on reading facilities, signposting, etc. At the present time, the association comprised 5300 effective members. DIMMING OF LIGHTS.

In answer to Mr H. J. Hare the speaker said that the association advocated that motor-car lights should not be dimmed, provided the lamps we.re properly adjusted on the car. The question was a particularly difficult one; in New Zealand on account of the various makes of English, Continental and American cars on the road, and each one carried different lenses of different candle-power. The association was in hopes that an amendment to the Motor Vehicles Bill on the subject would be brought down. After carrying out many experiments,. the speaker said, his experience was that the best method to overcome; the difficulty of dazzle was by using double filament globes, with two switches for each light. INSURANCE. To Mr L. E. Cassrels a reply was given that the association’s insurance scheme provided for all classes of risks,, and on any make of car. There was also ample cover for a motorist and his wife. The association did not carry the whole of the risk but had made complete arrangements with an insurance company. SPEED LIMITS. In answer to a question Mr Champtaloup said that the association was opposed to all speed limits. It looked on and encouraged motorists to at all times drive cautiously and with ; reasonableness, paying due regard to their own safety as well as the safety of others. He understood that it was probable that an amendment to the Motor Vehicles Bill would be brought down standardising speed limits. ' VOTE OF THANKS. After fourteen persons had handed in membership cards, duly signed, Mr Edwards moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Champtaloup for his interesting remarks, and expressed the hope that he would long be spared to continue his splendid work and that the A.A.A. would flourish and prosper. The resolution was carried with acclamation. In acknowledging the tribute Mr Champtaloup thankqd the meeting for the support accorded him and for the. response to his appeal for members. He trusted that the members would realise and appreciate the privileges of membership, and make very endeavour to enrol new members.