OPERATIONS SURVEYED

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 242, 14 October 1942, Page 2

OPERATIONS SURVEYED

AUTOMOBXLE ASSOCIATION'S YEAR. ANNUAL MEETING TO-MORROW. An interesting survey cf the year's operations is contained in the report of the Marlborough Automobile Association, whjch will be presented at to-morrow afternoon's annual meeting. The meeting will be commenced at 3 o'clock, and will follow the ordinary monthly meeting of the executive, which cn this occasion is timed for two o'clock. The repoit recalls that at the last annual meeting the president (Mr R. P. Purness) was elected a life member cf the association. The year was closed with a membership of 1556, made up as follows: Life member 1, active members 1294, activc service members 237, and honorary members 24. The Association only had the services of its1 service officer (Mr J. R. Johnston) to January 10, when he was mobilised, and since then he has oeen serVing his country as a eecond-lieutenant, in the " Armed Forces, With Mr Johnston in camp the A.A. service van had disappeared from the roads. Fortunately, as a result of the Association's previous policy oi' erecting' signs wherever they were deemed toi be necessary, the territory was very well covered. The most important work carried out during the year had been the painting of two warning signs cn the Middle Renwick road at the Murphy's cross road intersection. These had been very favourable commented on, and, it was thought, had done good service. Grants of £35 had been made to the ccntrolling bodies of motor camps and scenic reserves, and the latest reports received were that the campG and reserves were in good condiiion. Owlng to the1 restrictions orr private motorists' travelling the Grove road camp had not been used to any great extent during the past 12 months. During this period the front gates had been altered, giving better access for caravans, etc. The buildings were also painted. Apart from these1 two items of expenditure the camp fees received had been sufficient to cover the ordinary annual charges. On August 31, 1941, the Association had 133 members on the Active Service roll, but af balance date this year the number had increased to 237, a ftgure of which, if was considered, the Association should feel very proud. New works under the Main Highways heading had. practically ceased, only generai maintenance being carried out. The executive wished to express their appreciation of the help and courtesy of the Board's engineers and staff, and the local bodies' staffs, The audited accounts for the financial year showed that during the year another £500 was subscribed to the War Loan, making a. total of £1000. A further suim of £400 had been, placed 'on fixed deposit, From the Main Highways Board as a subsidy on signposfing done' during the previous year ihe Association received, £100 6s 3d, and from the South Island Motor Union Mutual Inisurarice Association, the "good will" grant this year was £160. The attached financial statement showed that of the tctal receipts of £1838 subscriptions provided £1511. On the expenditure side benofits to members, such as handbooks and maps, the free emergency service, signposting and, grants to camps, cost £198. Patrol service expenses amounted to £289 and administration to £300. Expenses in ccnneetiion with the Grove rcad motor camp were £66, of which £36 was re covered by way of fees. \T