THE HIGHWAY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 17, 1 November 1935, Page 8

THE HIGHWAY

RULE FOR PEDESTRIANS. KEEPING TO THE RIGHT. (Special to the “Guardian.”) PALMERSTON NORTH, Oct. 31. During the hearing of a claim i or damages in the Supreme Court, arising from an injury to a pedestrian by a motor-car overtaking him at night, reference was made to the English common law that pedestrians using highways should observe the right-hand rale, whereby they have traffic approaching them on their side of the road.

Counsel suggested that, .the time ’would come when a jury in New Zealand would have to find that pedestrians must walk on the right-hand side in this country. The Okie! Justice (Sir Michael Myers) said that it would have to be a matter of legislation if it were desired to establish such a law. It was not his province to advise upon matters of legislation, but it was likely that such a law would be desirable. If such a law had operated in England for a very long time it must be a very sound one. If one jury after another added a rider expressing a favourable opinion of the proposal that might compel further attention to it.

On the jury returning a verdict, it added a rider that steps should be taken for legislation to be passed ensuring that pedestrians should keep to the right-hand side of the road, in order to face oncoming traffic on open roads.

The Chief Justice promised to convey the recommendation to the proper quarters. ,

WAKANUI. {

The Wakanui Women’s Institute held its monthly meeting in the Memorial Hall, Mrs D. Butterick presiding over a good attendance. The installing of a heat-storage cooker and refrigerator by the Ashburton Power Board was greatly appreciated, f Mrs A. A. Fooks demonstrated the preparing and cooking of savouries and sweets. This proved very interesting, and later members were able to sample; the icecream. All goods met with a ready sale, the proceeds being forwarded to the Health Camp Campaign Committee. On the motion of Mrs C. Brand, hearty votes of thanks were accorded Mrs Fooks and the Power Board. Two knitted jumpers entered in the recent competition w/ei’e exhibited by Mrs and Miss Hyland, and were greatly admired. The competitions resulted: — Butter: Mrs 0. G. Frampton 1, Mrs Watson 2, Mrs Hyland 3. ’ Eggless cake: Mrs Frampton 1, Mrs Watson 2, Mrs Hyland 3. Cabbages: Mrs Frampton 1, Mrs D. .Butterick 2. The hostesses were Mrs T. S. Taylor and Miss Mitchell.