SHATTERING OF WINDSCREENS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28750, 22 November 1958, Page 11

SHATTERING OF WINDSCREENS

Demonstration To Be Given

When a stone breaks a windscreen on many English model cars there is a crack “like a rifle shot’’ which is even more frightening than the sudden loss of vision from the shattering of the glass. Mr W. R. Martyn (Nelson), said at last evening’s meeting of the South Island Motor Union. The executive was told of a practical demonstration, to be held by a Wellington firm next week, for members of both the S.I.M.U. and the N.I.M.U. “I had my own practical demonstration about six weeks ago,” said Mr Martyn. “I had a wraparound windscreen and the shock of the explosion was worse than the lack of vision.” “If you don’t punch your fish through the windscreen straight away, you’re off the road,” remarked the chairman (Mr G. W. Ferens). S.I.M.U. delegates will attend the demonstration. Insurance Problems. The Registrar of Motor Vehicles advised the union that any motorist, having an accident after recently buying a used car, and being unaware of the company which held the third party insurance cover, should telegraph the Registrar in Wellington or Christchurch to obtain this information without undue delay. The association accepted this reply to its request for a facilitation of speedier handling of these inquiries. Slow Drivers.— The Commissioner of Transport (Mr 11. B. Smith), assured the union that he ha I told his department’s officers to take action against slow drivers who hold up traffic on the roads. In some districts. said members, the Transport Department used motor-cycles to speed up traffic on the open road, and the union will suggest to automobile associations that they ask for motor-cycle patrols where they) are considered warranted. Reading Finance.— Associat ions will be sent copies of a precis of the finding of the Royal Commission on Local Body Finance, insofar as they relate to reading finance and other matters of particular interest to motorists. Mr T. E. V. Turpin (Otago), prepared the precis, which was read to the meeting.