Abandoned automobiles surreptitiously dumped as worthless junk in vacant lots are creating such a problem for land owners and becoming such an eyesore in various localities in the Bronx that an energetic effort is being made to have the city adopt a plan for auto disposal, it was announced by the Bronx Board of Trade yesterday.

The removal of battered tonneaus, strewn wheels and shredded upholstery incurs an expense of from $100 to $200 on the purchasers of lots in such “auto graveyards” according to the statement of the Board of Trade. One auto pushed at night into a vacant lot attracts other derlicts like a compelling magnet. Some fields have been so long used for the purpose that the earlier auto bodies are half buried in the ground.

The Board of Trade has initiated its action with a letter by its general secretary, Charles E. Reid, to the Board of Estimate. Urging that the city consider plans for the disposal of useless autos he writes, “In increasing numbers abandoned automobiles are being dumped by their owners or others on vacant lots or on undeveloped streets in the Bronx, particularly in its upper sections, where they are not only an eyesore but also a menace to property values.”

Among the plans suggested are the maintenance of a smelting plant similar to one operated by the City of Cleveland for the admission of automobiles to the classification of refuse which may be taken out in city scows and dumped at sea. A small fee for this service might be collected, it is suggested.

According to officials of the Board of Trade the principal trouble now is that the city will not accept autos at its dumps and the owners are driven to the use of vacant lots.

Pending further consideration the Board of Estimate has referred the letter to the Police Commissioner for a report, and at least the streets will be cleared of abandoned auto hulks by the Street Cleaning Department which has a special squad for the purpose.