NOTHING BUT THEFT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 650, 30 September 1933, Page 5

NOTHING BUT THEFT

(Press Assn

MOTORISTS PROTEST AGAINST GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TO CONVERSION CCNSTABLE'S INJURIES

i. — By Telegraph — Copyright).

Auckland, Friday. "The motor associations are definitely of opinion that the Government must accept a certain amount of responsibility for Constable Stewart's injuries," declared the president of the Automobile Association, in an outspoken comment to-day on the state of the law relating to motorcar conversions. He said that apparently the Justice Department did not realise the necessity for meeting the requests for an amendment of the law. Motorists could not understand the department's attitude in clinging to the term "conversion." They claimed that the taking of a motor-car was nothing but theft. In most cases there was not the slightest intention to return the car. He was confident the car thefts would be minimised if the law was amended as requested. Mr. Grayson added that other motor associations had expressed the wish to be associated with Auckland in making a present to Constable Stewarfc, and it was hoped to increase the sum to a figure more in keeping' with the constable's brave action. The Mayor of Auckland would be asked to make the presentation. Police Opinion Superintendent S. Till, in charge of the Auckland police district, said the police realised the seriousness of the position, and he had sent a report to the Commissioner. He could see no reason why the law should not be altered to provide a greater penalty than three months for conversion. He felt, however, that motorists themselves were not altogether blameless. Many were careless about locking their cars before leaving them in the street. !