ROYAL TOUR TRAFFIC

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27073, 23 June 1953, Page 8

ROYAL TOUR TRAFFIC

SUGGESTED PATROL NOT APPROVED

Because of the traffic department’s other commitments during the holiday period, the traffic committee was unable to recommend the City Council last evening to approve of an Auckland proposal for a motor-cycle squad from the four main centres to accompany the Royal party on its New Zealand tour. “On paper the proposal sounds very nice,” reported the Traffic Superintendent (Mr G. P. Kellar). “It would certainly augment the staff during the Royal visit to an appreciable degree, but, because the visit is to take place in January and four men would be away from the department for approximately one month, I do not view the proposal very favourably. “My reasons are that, although I would very much appreciate having an augmented staff for the Royal visit, the loss of four men for one month would seriously embarrass the department, particularly as we endeavour to get as many men away as possible on annual leave during this month.” * Cr. C. Baldwin said he felt the Auckland suggestion was a good one and that the traffic staff would be pleased to defer their holidays because of the importance of the Royal visit. More reasons should be given for the rejection of the proposal. The whole question was one for the Government, sai’d Cr. J. L. Hay. Cr. J. Mathison, M.P., said the council could ill afford to lose its four best men for a long period, while the augmented staff would be available in Christchurch for only four days. Cr. W. P. Warner said the council’s only gain would be a mounted guard for the Royal procession. The expense would be great, and the strain on the men also had to be considered. It would be only a glorified motor patrol leading the procession. Christchurch could conduct its own affairs. “We will be all right,” he added.