AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24412, 25 September 1940, Page 10

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR The annual meeting of members of the Automobile Association, Otago (Inc.), was held in the Somerset Lounge, Savoy, last night. The president, Mr P. W. Breen, was in the chair. The chairman welcomed the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen), and in a brief reply Mr Allen congratulated the association on its work and the co-operation that j had been achieved between the executive of the association and the civic authorities. Absolute Liability Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet the chairman referred to the absolute liability legislation projected by the Attorney-gene-ral. Motorists, he said, might not be fully aware of the menace of the Minister's proposal, but the associations had recognised its possibilities, and had taken the matter up with the Attorneygeneral and the Minister of Transport. As a result of the representations made, the associations had been given an undertaking that before any legislation was brought down they would be consulted through their representatives. " Underwriters," Mr Breen said, "estimate that when this legislation comes at the conclusion of hostilities—as. it certainly will—the average premium on ordinary cars would be in Ihe vicinity of £25. Statistics of motoring accidents on the other hand show that in all the cases investigated 71 per cent, of accidents are due to the pedestrian and not the motorist. That shows how unfair absolute liability on the motorist would be. However, the association will keep an eye on the matter and do its best to protect the interests of its members." Brief reports of the activities of committees during the year were given by the following:—Mr W. J. Mclnnes (signposting), Mr H. S. Reid (road service), Mr A. E. Ansell (safety first and legislation). Mr T. Y. Turner (sports), Mr G. T. Thorn (motor camps). Mr J. .Y. Love (house), Mr J. Pettitt (motor cycle section), and Mr Young (caravan section). The Balance Sheet Dealing with the balance sheet, Mr J, L. Passmore (treasurer), said that expenditure had been kept within bounds but income had exceeded expectations, leaving a surplus of £914. A sum of £SOO had been transferred to the Building Fund. The best possible service had been given to members, and he thought that the manner in which their 6000 members had paid their subscriptions showed how the service was appreciated. There were only 200 outstanding subscriptions for last year. What the budget would be for next year would have to be given serious consideration. Hundreds of their members would be going overseas and while away they would be kept as financial members. The report and balance sheet were adopted. . • Election of Office-bearers The election of office-bearers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: Patron, Sir James Allen; president, Mr P. W. Breen; vice-president, Mr G. T. Thorn; honorary treasurer. Mr J. L. Passmore; committee —Messrs G. T. Anderson, A. E. Ansell, A. E. Bingham, A. J. Campbell, W. L. Coxhead. R. A. Douglas, G. W. Ferens, H. L. Gibson, W. A. Jenkins, J. Y. Love, L. H. Mirams, W. J Mclnnes, H. S. Reid, H. L. Sprosen, C. W. Sundstrum and T. Y. Turner. Camp at Warrington Mr Young made a plea for financial support for the establishment of a motor camp on a modest scale at Warrington, where no such facilities existed at the present time. Attempts were being made locally to provide a camping place, but, despite a Government offer of labour, the sponsors could not carry on without assistance. A letter on the subject was also received from Warrington, and the chairman said the matter would be referred to the Camp Committee for a report. Votes of Thanks Votes of thanks were passed by acclamation to the retiring members of the committee. Messrs H. H. Henderson and E. W. G. H. Watts. The chairman paid a tribute to the valuable services rendered by both gentlemen.