ROAD ACCIDENTS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24986, 21 September 1946, Page 5

ROAD ACCIDENTS

SOUTH ISLAND MOTOR UNION ALARMED

REMITS AT CONFERENCE

Viewing with alarm the increasing number of road accidents in New Zealand, the South Island Motor Union conference in Christchurch yesterday asked its executive to report on any measures which would assist in minimising the risk. A remit from South Canterbury urged that the Government be asked to exercise stricter control and suggested that traffic inspectors’ control and supervision be undertaken more actively by the police. The conference considered that the present system of control was efficient and indicated a preference for improved educational campaigns on road safety, rather than the imposition of restrictions. A proposal from North Otago that the speed limit be raised to 45 miles an hour was deferred for six months, whpn it was suggested that the union consider applying for the abolition of speed limits on the open highway. It was considered that restrictions should remain until there was less danger from worn tyres and cars. On the recommendation of the same Automobile Association, it was agreed tc urge motorists to pay more attention to dipping headlights in traffic. Permission to affix new number plates in the week before the commencement of a new licensing period was sought by the Automobile Association (Otago). Tlie remit was lost on the casting vote of the president (Mr W. R. Carey), who considered that confusion would result. Improvement of highways was advocated by the Automobile Association (Southland), who urged the elimination of advertising hoardings and also the provision of special funds by the Government for tree-planting on highways; The conference approved. After the Automobile Association (Canterbury) had pointed out the danger of power poles too close to highways and corners, a deputation was appointed to meet the Electrical Supply Authorities’ Association at its annual conference in’Christchurch.

The executive was directed to report on standard equipment to permit caravans to be plugged in to the electrical supply at recognised camping grounds. The following officers were elected:— president, Mr W. R. Carey (Canterbury); vice-presidents, Messrs P. W. Breen (Otago), R. Wilson (South Canterbury), and C. M. Rout (Nelson); executive, Messrs J. H. Main (North Otago). G. Hamilton, J. S. Hawkes. B. Falck, L. W. Broadhead (Canterbury), and R. H. Parker (Pioneer Club); secretary, Mr P. Harvey; auditor, Mr A. Donaldson.