DRUNKEN DRIVING PROBLEM

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28346, 3 August 1957, Page 4

DRUNKEN DRIVING PROBLEM

Temperance Union Protest “Why should airline pilots have to refrain from liquor for 12 hours before flying while motorists are allowed to control a car while they are in such a state as to give a car lethal possibilities,’’ asks the “White Ribbon,’’ the journal of - the New Zealand Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

The Minister in charge of Civil Aviation (Mr T. P. Shand) said in a letter to the union: “Liquor is not sold On National Airways Corporation aircraft. “Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., states that, in view of the worldwide practice .by international operators, it would be difficult for them to discontinue the sale of liquor on their aircraft, as they thought it would'be contrary to the wishes of the majority of their- passengers. T.E.A.L., however, can refuse to carry any passenger who is intoxicated, while any crew member is liable to summary dismissal in case of drunkenness or use of liquor on duty. No member of the flying staff may consume any alcoholic drink during the period beginning 12 hours before the undertaking of flying duties.’’ The Minister of Transport (Mr W. S. Goosman) has told the union that “the whole matter (of drunken driving) will be reviewed again with regard to penalties, after discussions with magistrates. “The Government is very conscious of the problem of the drinking driver; and every means which is likely to prove of practical value is being explored with a view to ameliorating the gravity of the problem,’’ Mr Goosman says.