A.A.A. MEMBERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5396, 6 March 1929, Page 2

A.A.A. MEMBERS.

MEETING AT PAEROA.

ADDRESS BY MR. CHAMPTALOUP.

At a meeting of loca] Auckland Automobile Asspc.iation members in the Gaiety Theatre last evening Mr W. Marshall presided l . In discussing the reading question, Mr R. E. Champtaloup remarked “that, tlie road belongs to us all, and we have to pay in one way or air other—most of us in several ways.” The Main Highways Board was doing splendid work, and the; North Auckland district was receiving a 'huge share of its funds. The A.A.A. looked to tlie county councils to. do the fair thing and raise sufficient funds to lift» the very liberal subsidies being offered by the Highways. Board; Many local bodies were holding back, anticipating an increased subsidy, but those now receiving. 3 to 1 for construction and surfacing were likely to be the Jucky ones, for if every local bi lly were to apply at. onc.e it. was possible the subsidy might have to be reduced. Contrary to popular belief, the Main Highways Board had no surplus funds. Authorisation of work new in hand would completely ex-, haus.t the apparent surplus of. £Boo',ooo which the board was holding. Next year’s programme was therefore dependent on ,t' e ccming year’s taxation, and from this it must, be; clear that- increased subsidies were not likely. He urged local motorists,, to agitate for permanently sealed roads, as these provided a minimum of. upkeep, greatly enhanced the value of of the district, and! saved' money in the transport of manures, produce, and goods. ERECTION OF SIGNBOA,RDS. Some years ago, said; Mr Champta,loup, the A-A.A. introduced l the how familiar yellow and black signboards. After a time various advertising notices. were erected closely resembling the association’s notices. These in scime c.ases led to confusion, and at tlie request, of the A.A.A. some were removed. As a. later development various interests were now painting advertising notices in yellow l paint on sheds, fences, rocks, briflgejs, etc., and the impression was. gaining ground that the Auckland Automobile Association was gliilty pifi defacing the countryside.

The speaker advised that aj! . the association notices included thq A.A.A. monogram in a circle, and unle s the three A’s were displayed the notice was. erected without the authority of the association and was in no way connected wit.li it. The recent motor regulations in regard to signs, in which promises to the A.A.A. were completely ignored by.the la.te Government, provided; for many signs, similar to previous A.A.A. designs, and 'these were now being erected by the majority of local bodies. This class of work was quite in order, and was necessary - to regulate traffic. In some cases, however, danger signs had been erqcte}]' at points wliic.h would not have received attention by - the A.A.A. system. Mr Champtaloup explained that the A.A.A. placed signs only where there was a very particular danger, and therefore he advised, to rigidQy observe any yql]ow diamond warning embodying the A.A.A, xnion°gram.

At the close of the meeting Mr Champtaloup, on behalf of the association, tendered to the Major and Borough Council praise for the splendid roads in Paeroa.