The star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1908-1909, 1909-01-02
DISCUSS AUTO
LEGISLATION WITH
GOVERNOR FORT
Promises to Aid Motorists in
Obtaining Remedial Laws
in Short Time.

Much progress toward more equitable
automobile legislation was made at a
conferences between Governor Fort and
the special committee of the Newark
Board of Trade on Wednesday after
noon. A full discussion of the various
points at issue. was held and a frank
interchange of Views resulted In a
closer harmony between the chief
executive and the motorists in detail.
Two points we're discussed, the inter-
change Of courtesies with other States
through the adoption of a reciprocity
clause in the law granting a limited
tourist privilege to residents of States
, which give the same to New Jersey
motorists, and the speed trap and
country constable abuse which has
done so much to bring New jerseys
name into ill-repute with non.residents.
HI Board of Trade committee laid
before the Governor the data which
was recently gathered at the direction
~ the New Jersey Automobile Trade
Association, This showed that a year
Ply trade of more than $4,000. 900 in New
ark alone is imperiled through the boy
colt of. New Jersey manufacturers, en-
tered into by non-residents of this
State because OF the harsh provisions
Of the Jersey law, which allows no
touring privileges such as is extended
by practically every State in the East
to motorists properly licensed in their
place of residence. The Governor was
surprised to learn of the magnitude
of the rad which was affected.
To his argument that it was only
.air for visiting motorists to pay their
bare of the burden of road upkeep,
committee brought forth data to
" that the loss to the State from
United tourist privilege would be
$4,000. From an analysis OF fig
compiled in the office of j.. B. r.
commissioners of motor vehicles
nton. it was shown that the
mount taken in yearly by the
rom registration fees is about
OF this SIC, 600, or over half, is
non-residents, and the Gov
as under the impression that
unit would be a total loss to
te. As a matter of fact less
e-third Of this amount would
as the motorists are asking for
limited touring privilege, sug-
en- days.
estimate that two-thirds of
20 register as non-residents
IL State for longer period
either having summer homes
lying for a month or SO dur
brm weather. These motor
build be compelled to pay as here
and at the same rate as New
ley residents.
Another strong argument brought to
bear was the fact that it is not only
those directly interested in automobile
manufacture OF saleNwho are participant
ing in the boycott against New Jersey.
Motorists in other Ines of business who
have been halted In speed traps illegally
operated and made~to suffer much in
convenience as well as financial loss, !
have been bitter in their denunciation
OF New Jersey, and have Disseminated
against residents of this State In a
trade way. This has been established
without a doubt by letters, not only
from those who LAY been mulcted by
country justices of the peace, u from
local manufacturers who have lost bust
ness.
Within three or four days the Board
Of Trade committee will hold another
meeting. and will perfect plans for fur
Their conferences with leading members
Of the State Senate and the Assembly.
.
The Touring Club of France now
has a total membership of lis, 900.