CURRENT TOPICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 321, 7 June 1911, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES.

Opportunity should be taken of the visit of the Hon. Minister for Internal Affairs to bring under his personal notice the very unsatisfactory position in regard to the registration of motor vehicles. Under the first legislation governing this matter power was given to local bodies to become qualified as a registering authority for motor-vehicles, and the owner of the motor-car or motor-bicycle was compelled to attach to liis machine a plate bearing in large figures his registration number for identification purposes. Probably on account of the duplication of numbers which went on under the imperfect system devised, this idea of registration was abolished, and local bodies were advised of a fresh 6cheme which the Government proposed to adopt. The local bodies were advised of the suggested scheme of registration for identification purposes, and were asked to approve it, or otherwise. The Taranaki County Council approved the svstem proposed, and informed the Department accordingly. Frequent application has been made since then to the Department for the issue of numbers, so that the motor-cars in the district, a rapidly increasing quantity, may he registered, and the public safeguarded by making possible the identification of careless drivers, and so on. Motor accidents are not unknown, and, unless the local bodies are given the power proposed to be placed in their hands, the "road hog" will soon he in sole possession.

THE WINTER SHOW. The Winter Show to be opened to-day is «n event of more than ordinary importance to everyone in this district. Last year's show was the first of its kind in this town, and we then took the opportunity of expressing the opinion that the spirit of emulation fostered l>v the exhibition of produce and handiwork would have a stimulating effect on the production of goods of superior quality. A show of the kind is chiefly useful in bringing under the eye of an interested public the resources of our magnificent province. The friendly .rivalry necessary in competition is 'an incentive to our settlers to attain the best results. In obtaining the best results a payable advertisement is obtained for a province that depends on the quality of its goods for the business "it will do 'in them:" The show has the effect of bringing together people who would rarely meet otherwise. Tt suggests ideas for * improvement, it creates pride in handiwork, and it unites exhibitors in a bond of fellowship that is stimulating to all alike, and of infinite business use. And it must not be forgotten that the initiators and workers for the success of so good an objectlesson are primarily responsible for the creation of a spirit'of emulation. If it is recognised (that the welfare of the province is the welfare of each of its inhabitants, it must be conceded that every man, woman and child who can in-

crease the general knowledge by exhibit-1 ing his or her products or handiwork, should do so as a duty. The spirit of emulation engendered by last winter's show has not only brought out many more exhibitors this year, but has resulted in higher quality exhibits. Becauso wc earnestly believe that such shows have a marked and payable effect, we sincerely commend the second winter show of the Taranaki Agricultural Society to the people.