1907 Automobile Association

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AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.

The annual dinner of the Automobile Association was held on Tuesday at the Hotel Cecil, London, under the chairmanship of Col. W. J. Bosworth.

More than 450 gentlemen were present, including the Marquis of Ailsa, Earl Russell, Lord Montagu, Lord Denman, the Hon. L. M. St. Clair, the Hon. Lionel Walrond, M.P., Mr. Percy Barlow, M.P., Mr. Herbert Raphael, M.P., Mr. Sidney Straker, Sir W. G. D. Goff, Bart., Count Ward, G.C.V.V., Mr. L. Schlentheim, hon. treasurer, Colonel Montague Day, Dr. Stilwell, Mr. S. Hope Morley, Capt. F. Attenborough, R.N., and Mr. Otto Shaw, J.P.

The following members of the Committee of the A.A. also attended: Messrs. Chas. Jarrott, S. F. Edge, Charles Temperley, Alfred Harris, Amery-Parkes, H. S. A. Smith, D'Arcy Baker, Charles Cordingley, and Capt. Benett-Stanford, J.P., with Mr. Stepson Cooke, secretary.

After the loyal toasts had been honoured.

Mr. Mostyn Piggott proposed the toast of "The Automobile Association." He said he was glad to note that a motor-car was accompanying an expedition to the South Pole. There were others, he was aware who would like all other automobiles to go to the came place. Some police restrictions were put upon motorists, but the fashion might change, and it would not surprise him if, during the throes of versification, a policeman, with a rhyming dictionary in his hand, interrupted him with the remark that there were more feet in a certain line than authorised by statute. He counselled patience. A certain gentleman at Olympia insisted on being ridden over twice a day by an automobile. British common-sense might learn a lesson in patience and fortitude from this excellent example, and the thing would soon become a pleasant pastime.

Colonel W. J. Bosworth responded to the toast, and said that when last they met the membership was 300, now it was as many thousands, including a hundred peers of the realm and many hundreds of other distinguished motorists. It was Mr. C. Jarrott who placed the first body of patrols on the Brighton road, and the success of their Association had justified that initial effort. Their successful existence had been due to the fact that their services were needed, and that their committee had worked harmoniously and vigorously in the interests of the motoring community. With regard to the police, he referred to the transformation that had taken place in their comportment, mainly owing to the work done by the Association. The authorities had begun to recognize that so far from encouraging the Hooligan driver the Association did everything possible to put him down.

During the past year the number of patrols had been enormously increased, and the roads to Liverpool, Blackpool, and Edinburgh had also received attention. England had become honeycombed with agents of the Association, and at no distant date they hoped to see every village supplied with a distinctive name-plate. The prosecution of carmen and others who obstructed motorists had been undertaken, and arrangements made whereby, on payment of a small sum, their members were provided with legal assistance. Negotiations with Lloyd's had been made to ensure the issue of a very favourable motor-car policy to members of the Association, securing not only low rates of premium, but a rebate should no claim be made during the year.

A scheme for the organisation of a body of guides in all large towns in England was being formulated, and in conclusion the Colonel enumerated the following advantages obtainable for the two guineas subscription of members, namely, the service of patrols, agents and guides, legal defence on reasonable lines, exceedingly favourable, insurance assistance when touring on the Continent, and the provision of danger signals and village signs throughout the country. Cordial relations were being continued with existing associations, and he trusted that this friendly state of affairs might long continue.

The toast of "The Press" was proposed by Mr. Charles Jarrott, who eulogised the service rendered to the Association by the newspapers associated with the industry. Responses were made by Messrs. H. Massac Buist and H. W. Staner.

Sir Archibald Macdonald, Bart., J.P., vice-president of the Association, proposed the toast of "The Visitors," on whose behalf Mr. Barry O'Callaghan, replied congratulating all responsible for its progress.

Following the speeches was an entertainment, which was well maintained till a late hour.

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