Smyrna times., 1929-06-19
AUTO OWNERS NOT TO PAY
FE ON RENEWING LICENSE
SECRETARY SAYS so CENTS
CHARGE is NOT REQUIRED
Decision Means a Loss of $500 or
$500 to Magistrates Throughout
State-ROad Work Progress

$500 to Magistrates Throughout
Statehood Work Progress
There is likely to be much pro
testing done, when it becomes gen
orally known that in interpreting
one section of the automobile laws
enacted last March. Secretary of
State Charles Grantland has decid-
ed that persons having once had a
car registered and certified toe, do
not again have to pay a so cents
notary fee for renewal of the Ii
cense on that car. That means
that some Magistrates stand a
chance to lose between four and
five thousand dollars each year.
Having heard rumors of the Secre-
tary's decision, it is said the mag
istrates propose to charge a "ser-
vice" fee of so cents in place of the
notary fee. But if present plans
under consideration by Secretary
Grantland mature, this may not be
so easy. He is considering renting
an office for headquarters in Will
mington, which office he would use
during November, December and
January, to issue licenses to Will
mingtonians and others, and they
would not have to pay SOC notary
or service" fee. Mr.. Grantland
realizes the opposition that would
be stirred up by such an action by
the Magistrates, but takes the
stand that he is acting as the law
directs and for the best interests
of the people. The section which
refers to renewals reads: Every
vehicle registration under this act,
shall expire December 81 each year
and shall be renewed annually upon
application by the owner and by
payment of the fees required by
law. such renewal to take effect on
the first day Of January each year. !"
Secretary Grantland points to the
fact that this renewal regulation
calls for no certifcation. William
Ball, titling officer for the Secre-
tary of States office, received no
tice of the conviction of six motor
lists for driving while drunk, on one
DAY last week Another case, which
called for revocation of a license,
was a driver who was convicted for
the third time in one year for reck-
less driving.
Save-A-Life Campaign Inaugurated
In the "Save-a-Life Campaign"
to be launched this week, the State
police are expected to
play an important part by follow
ing up the request of Governor
Buck to every motorist to have his
or her car examined for faulty
brakes, lights, window wipers and
other possible defects. 1t is stated
it is the plan of the State Police to
follow up this campaign and after
two weeks have elapsed to stop
every car that does not contain the
official label of the State, showing
that it has been examined and found
to be all right. There are certain
sections of the new automobile laws
which call for windshield wipers.
for accurate brakes, no signs on
rear windows, and other details
which when violated are punishable
by a fine. If the State Police real
ly do this job conscientiously, it is
believed it will be the best safety
activity ever attempted in Della
ware, as far as automobiles go.
Road at st. Georges and Farnhurst
Concreting in connection with the
new parallel road from State Road
to st. Georges began Wednesday,
The widening of the stretch from
the State Road police station to a
point an eighth of a mile below
where the new parallel road will
join the present highway was the
point at which the concreting start
ed. The grading of the road at
various points is proceeding much
more satisfactory because of the
clear weather. 1t is the hope of
Chief Engineer w. w. Mack, of the
Department, to have one
side of the approach to the Farm
nurse bridge completed in time for
Fourth of July traffic Work of
grading for the approaches began
his week and when it comes to
pouring concrete, a mixture that
will "set" quickly will be used in
,rder to speed up the work. When
me side has been completed the
'oad will be opened up at the
bridge and work started on the op-
,osite side.