AMERICAN DRIVERS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29679, 24 November 1961, Page 15

AMERICAN DRIVERS

Tests Held At Base

All American servicemen and civilians based at Christchurch for the United States Antarctic operation are required under Rear-Admiral D. M. Tyree's orders to pass a written examination on New Zealand driving regulations and also a practical driving test before taking a car on the road.

This was announced yesterday by Commander F. E. Kimberling. the advance headquarters commander, after he had read a report in “The Press” of a meeting of the Christchurch Metropolitan Road Safety Committee.

Members of the committee had discussed the standard of driving of American servicemen. and decided to ask the Transport Department and the traffic department of the Christchurch City Council to consider organising classes to instruct the servicemen in local road rules. ■'The Admiral’s orders requiring everyone to pass our written and practical tests have been in force since September 1.” said Commander Kimberling. “It is a safety campaign of our own to reduce accidents and contribute to road safety in Christchurch."

Commander Kimberling said the written test had been compiled by the staff legal officer from the Transport Department's Road Code. “Obviously the committee was not aware that we have this examination.” he said. “We appreciate the requirements of the Transport Department. and we have several thousand copies of the Road Code which the department has given us." Commander Kimberling said anyone attached to the base who drove a car without having passed the tests was subject to court martial.

A.A.C. Membership For Lord Cobham The Governor - General (Lord Cobham) would be invited to become an honorary member of the Automobile Association (Canterbury), and a recommendation would be made to the annual meeting that he be made an emeritus life member, the council of the association decided at a meeting last evening. “It would be an honour to have him as a member,” said the chairman (Mr L. W Broadhead). Lord Cobham had, when attending the official opening of the new building, expressed a wish to become a member of the association.