MOTOR PATROL FOR WAIKATO

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 378, 12 June 1928, Page 7

MOTOR PATROL FOR WAIKATO

rpHE first gathering of motorists who formed themselves into the Auckland Automobile Association was in the year 1903. Among those who were present at that meeting were Messrs. H. Chatteris, G. Henning, J. A. Moody, R. B. Spinks, and Dr. Rayner. The meeting was held at the residence of Dr. de Clive Lowe, who was appointed the first honorary secretary, while Dr. Rayner was elected president. THE FIRST CARS The first automobile landed was a belt driven car known as he “Star,” which could carry four passengers in two seats facing eaoh other. The second was a steam car to the order of Mr. G. Henning, and was known as the Locomobile. Dr. Lowe’s 5 li.p. “Oldsmobile” came third and was the first real “motor” car. These few pioneer motorists were, of course, the objects of wonder and curiosity on the part of the common people. True, thier cars did not go far or fast, but wnen they did go they were followed by an interested throng. The activities of the A.A.A. in those early days were confined largely to the holding of social runs to some spot of interest far away out in the country like, say, Panmure. The members usually started from the home of one of the men, and finished up there again for afternoon tea. In addition, however, they conducted the examinations for drivers, testing the applicant in driving and in practical mechanics and presenting him with a much embellished certificate. In those early days the members of the association were so few that they were intimately known to one another. With the increasing use of the motor in every-day life, however, the number of private motorists grew and so, too, grew the membership. When the present secretars', Mr. G. W. Hutchison, took over his duties in 1911, the membership was about 100. According to the annual reports made out in May of each year, the membership figures were as follow:

Affiliation with the R.A.C. was made

in 1913, and in the following year the first of the country district branches, that at Cambridge, was formed. An insurance scheme was also discussed in that year, but the war intervened and much of the work was curtailed. WAR WORK The A.A.A. did fine work during the war period in meeting hospital ships, in organising a motor procession for a red cross appeal, and in organising outings for wounded soldiers. This work, unfortunately, was stopped because of the benzine shortage of the time.

The A.A.A. also provided cars for \ disabled soldiers in the peace processions.

OUT OF THE PAST Digging in among old yearbo :he A.A.A. is a fascinating pastime, for one comes across all sorts of reminders of other days. For exampl the 1921 Yearbook there is a report of a Petrol Consumption Test on Labour Day, 1920, which was won by Mr. H. M. Waygood, with an Overland Four, which did 16 miles. 740yds! Second prize fell to Mr. W. S. Miller, whose Cleveland Six did 13 miles

i 345yds! Wouldn’t those cars be re- | garded as extravagant these days! Again, in the 1915 Yearbook the Motor Regulations Act. 190 S, is reprinted. as the last word in motor regulations! THE A.A.A. TO-DAY | The various advantages of memberj ship have been told so often that they j need not be repeated here. Special attention can, however, be drawn to the latest development. The A.A.A. technical engineer, Mr. Frank Cullen, who for some time past has been acting as lion, technical eni gineer to the association, has been appointed in charge of the newly-estab-I lished technical department. Mr. i Cullen will be in attendance at the ' association’s offices from 10 a.m. to j 11 a.m. daily, when members may con- | suit him. I ’ This extra service is free to mem- | bers as far as general advice is conI cerned, but valuations and arbitration j can be arranged at reasonable fees, j In the event of a member purchasing j a second-hand car, reliable reports on I the conditions of that car will then be j available from the association. THE ROAD PATROLS ! Perhaps the most spectacular devel- : opment in recent years was the appointment, a few months ago. of road patrols, whose work it is to be of practical help to motorists on the road. Their neat .uniforms and motor-cycle outfits have already become familiar and welcome sights. The equipment, of the association now consists of the service car used by the touring manager, the sign-post-ing truck, and three motor-cycle outfits. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT The policy has been outlined of providing another road patrol for every 1,000 members, and arrangements are

at present being made to enlarge the Gisborne district so that it may be made to include a total of 1,000 members. When this is accomplished a road patrol will be stationed in Gisborne, and other patrols will doubtless be provided where the membership warrants it. No resume of the work of the A.A.A. would be complete without reference to the work of Mr. R. E. Champtaoup, the touring manager, for he it is who has erected the majority of the sign-posts in the Auckland Province. In his three years of office Mr. Champtaloup has covered 50,000 miles, and erected nearly 4,000 signs.

3 912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 191S 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 4.S02 1928 . . . . 7,000