By CHRIS LADNER

A short time ago on Channel 7's six and 10 o'clock news, a report on auto mechanics was issued. The report was good in that it helped to destroy the "greasemonkey" image that has been fabricated around these twentieth century repairmen. One fact, however, that attracted my attention to the report still disturbs and surprises me.

Not one of the 50 states in our union requires a mechanic to have a license.

In my mind, the arguments for the licensing of automobile repair shops are overwhelming.

Think for a minute of the businesses which have already been placed under license, a license which may and has been revoked if the operator has been proved incompetent. Just a few of licensed businesses are beauty and barber shops, bars, restaurants, liquor stores, doctors... the list is indeed a long one. Before you turn your family buggy over to a repairman, who may or may not be trustworthy and knowledgeable and before you pay $10, $20, $30 or more to these repairmen who may or may not repair a defect, think of the advantages of garages put under license.

One of the main arguments that I can put forth is that a number of mechanics, a relatively small number, but still a present problem, either don't know the first thing

about the repairing autos or bill the money-paying public by the servicing of sometimes nonexistent problems.

To prove my point I bring to your attention a case with which the Wall Street Journal experimented a few years ago in New York. Some staff members of the newspaper purposely damaged the mechanics of a car to the extent of $1. Then they took the car to several garages in the area where they were given several estimates that ranged upwards to $30. At least two garages in the area confessed, rather reluctantly, that they did not have even the slightest idea of how to remedy a problem this minor.

As I hope you can see by my argument, the licensing of automobile repair shops would be an excellent piece of legislation. The security that would be given to the consumers, both financial and mental, in knowing that their autos were being cared for by knowledgeable, experienced mechanics would be worth the price alone. Perhaps best of all, those garages which persist in billing customers and those which employ people who have the slightest amount of mechanical knowledge and experience would be forced to close forever.

I would be interested in hearing your responses to my opinion; and if you agree with me, I suggest that you write me in care of the Westerner. Drop off your letters to Mr. George Walker in room R‑210. Then perhaps we can get something done about it.