BETTER MOTORING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 254, 24 September 1940, Page 5

BETTER MOTORING

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

MANAWATU COMMITTEE

The general committee of the Manawatu Automobile Association met last evening, Mr W. H. Brown presiding. Others present were Dr E. G. Scott, Messrs T. M. N. Rogers, T. R. Lees, M. A. Eliott, R. R. Morton, E. R. B. Holben, R. J. Mclvor, C. Lawson, HN. Rowe, W. J. Amies and E. S. Oliver. Mr A. R. Aeheson, Public Works Department engineer, advised, in reply to the association’s request, that lie would arrange to have double cen-tre-line marking carried out on the State highway at Awaliuri as soon as the weather is favourable. The signposting committee reported that a request was received from the head teacher of the Marist Brothers’ School for two appropriate signs to be erected in Grey Street. The patrol was authorised to erect the signs as requested. A request was received from Mr Fieldhouse, a member of the association, for representations to be made to , have improvements carried out by the Main Highways Board to the Rongotea-Campion’s Line corner. A comprehensive report, together with sketch map, was submitted by the signposting patrol, in which it was suggested that the drain could be piped for a distance of 30 feet or, alternatively, a heavy white railing could be erected around the drain. It was agreed that a copy of the report should be submitted to the engineer of the Manawatu County with the suggestion that the heavy white railing be erected as early as possible. The president reported on the special meeting of the North Island Motor Union held to discuss the remit from this association requesting an alteration to existing boundaries. The administration committee reported that the secretary, while in Auckland, bad discussed the possibility of obtaining safety first films from the Auckland association for use by patrols in giving school safety first lectures The touring manager of the Auckland Association advised that no films were available, although there may be a possibility of obtaining copies towards the end of the present year. From the conversation it was apparent that the Auckland association would be communicating a scheme to associations for the showing of safety first films throughout New Zealand, and the committee considered that the matter should now be held in abeyance. A comprehensive report, compiled by Messrs P. D. England and y. Duff, on the control of traffic entering major roads from side roads was received from the North Island Motor Union. It was agreed that further copies of the report be obtained for submission to members.

A report from Mr W. 11. Wynyard (motorists’ representative on the Main Highways Board) stated that the board had no intention of replacing the bridge at Aslihurst for some time to come, said Mr Rodgers. Replying to representations that it should protest against the speed restriction of 35 miles an hour which was recently imposed on vehicles drawing trailers or caravans, the North Island Motor Union advised that the matter bad been referred to all associations and the South Island Motor Union for an expression of their opinion. Previously the North Island Union had recommended to the Transport Department that no general speed limit should be imposed, but in the South Island the majority of associations lrad apparently favoured the 35 m.p.h. limit. An attempt was now being made to adopt a unanimous recommendation from the two unions.—The meeting considered that no further action was necessary until the opinions of the various associations are known. On Mr Holben raising the matter, it was decided to refer to the Wellington association the question as to when work would be done in straightening the bad bend at the Linton Church.