THE A.A.A. ACTIVITIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 106, 26 July 1927, Page 11

THE A.A.A. ACTIVITIES

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED The annual general meeting of the Auckland Automobile Association was held last Wednesday, and was attended by nearly 100 motorists. The chair was taken by Dr. J. H. Lawry, the president, who surveyed the work of the Association during the past: year, and indicated the line of work to be pursued in the future. SERVICE OFFICER’S WORK Appreciation was expressed of the work of the service officer, Mr. R. E. Champtaloup, who had performed outstanding work during the year in signposting, road information and in the preparation of maps and road guides. GRADE OF 1-16 Mr. G. Henning brought forward a resolution that, with the engine-power of the modern motor-car, a straight grade of 1 in 16 was preferable to a grade of 1 in 20, which involved sharp corners and poor visibility. It was. pointed out that on the Bombay deviation, for the sake of keeping down to a grade of 1 in 20 nearly 30 chains had to be added to one bend. The resolution was carried. FREE LEGAL DEFENCE The question whether free legal defence should be provided for all motorists charged with offences, irrespective of the; gravity of the alleged breach, was brought forward by the secretary, Mr. G. W. Hutchinson. it was pointed out that the Automobile Association of Great Britain had found it practical to provide free defence for its 350,000 members. Several members spoke condemning drunken drivers and road-hogs, but amendments, excluding these from the privilege were lost, and the motion to provide free legal defence for all members was carried. TRAM CENTRE POLES A resolution was carried condemning the retention o c tramway poles in the centre of city streets. Several members pointed out the danger to traffic, and the opinion was expressed that the

poles should have been removed years BRIDGE COMMITTEE The association’s representative on the Harbour Bridge Committee, Mr. F. E. Powell, briefly reported on the present position. He said that he could not yet guarantee the opening date, and pointed out that, although there were difficulties in the way of the proposal, the bi*idge would be of inestimable benefit not only to the people of North Shore particularly, but to motorists generally. Mr. Powell was thanked for his services, which he himself described as a “watching brief.” ! AGREEMENT WITH R.A.C. The president mentioned that a little known advantage of membership was the reciprocal agreement with the Roj’al Automobile Club of England, under which a motorist visiting England was extended the benefits of membership there. MEMBERS’ INSURANCE The secretary took the opportunity of explaining the insurance agreements entered into with Lloyd’s. Details of premium and benefits can be obtained from the A.A.A. office, but a few members were of opinion that difficulties might arise through the absence of a local Lloyd’s branch. Mr. Hutchinson explained however that the cover note will be issued by Lloyd’s agents in Auckland, and the papers forwarded to Sydney. Lloyd’s agents in Sydney will honour this, and in the event of a payment being required the money can be made available here in 24 hours. Approval was expressed of this scheme, and members were of the opinion that it was a very satisfactory arrangement. AMENDMENTS TO RULES Notices of motion to amend the standing rules were dealt with at the meeting, and the following amendments were carried: The immediate past president is now, ex officio, a member of the council. The date of the annual meeting has been altered from “June” to “the month of June or as soon thereafter as possible.” New members may now be elected by a show of hands at the meeting. NEW LIFE MEMBERS In recognition of their past services, the following members were elected to life membership, the highest honour the association can bestow:—Messrs. H. Chatteris, C. Rhodes, P. R. Skeates, M. H. Wynyard, and Dr. F. J. Rayner. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The retiring president, Dr. Lawry, was re-elected unopposed, and Messrs. G. Henning, A. Grayson, and -M. H. Wynyard were elected vice-presidents. The election for the council resulted as follows: —Messrs. H. Curd. F. G. Farrell, J. B. King, W. A. Phillips, R. i B. Spinks, H. C. Jones, T. Julian. G. M. White, J. Park, and Dr. De Clive Lowe.