Australian Newsletter 'Rat Race’ Rather Than Rustication

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30171, 1 July 1963, Page 13

Australian Newsletter 'Rat Race’ Rather Than Rustication

(NZ.P.A Special Correspondent, FRANK PUDDICOMBEi

SYDNEY, June 28.

The Acting-Premier of New South \\ ales, Mr J. B. Renshaw, this week had some very forthright things to say about Sydney and the way of life of its citizens who now number more than 2,000,000.

There were many who azreed with the views he e x.p-essed

Mr Renshaw described Sydney as a “temptress and a siren," luring within its urban and near-urban areas more than halt the population of New South Wales. He sard Sydney’s beaches, theatres, sport and cosmopolitan character made it one of the most attractive cities in the world, but these attractions operated against the decentralisation of industry. Executives often weighed tne satisfying life they knew in the city against the handicaps they believed they would find if they set up factories in ttie country, he said. "In short, they prefer the ulcer belt to the slower pace of life in a country town,” said Mr Renshaw. "They talk of the rat race, but reach for their tranquilisers instead of getting away from it all in the country. "Directors and other company executives do not want to break with their bowling and golf clubs. They want to live in cities that have large populations and good services." Mr Renshaw said Australia's progress would not be

as decisive as it could be unless there was a more exact balance between the city and the country in production and in people. Repealed Law A motorists successful appeal against a traffic conviction could lead to the dismissal of similar charges pend-

mg against many other motorists in New South Wales. The National Roads and Motorists Association announced that, as a result of the decision, it would ask magistrates to dismiss charges against a number of motorists.

The association's legal department conducted die case.

The motorist was convicted and fined £l5 for failing to make a right-hand turn with safety on June 16 last year. This week. Judge Levine ruled that as the appeal was held after the new "diamond turn” regulation came into force, the driver could not be convicted under the old regulation. The motorist was convicted of the driving charge on February 28. On March 15, new r regulations concerning the righthand turn became law and came into force on April 1.

The motorist lodged his appeal on March 19 and it was heard on May 24. ft was argued at the Appeals Court hearing that the acts alleged against the motorist under the old regulation did not constitute an offence under the new regulation. Judge Levine agreed with this argument in his reserved judgment this week.

He said he must proceed by finding the relevant facts as they existed at the time of the appeal and to apply them to law as it existed at that date.

He said a person could not be convicted under a law which had been repealed, unless there was some statutory provision preserving liability. Thalidomide Aid

Federal aid will be sought by parents of 11 Sydney babies born with deformities caused by the drug thalidomide.

The parents last week formed the "Thalidomide Aid Society,” and will seek a hearing from the Federal Minister for Health, Senator Wade.

Senator McClelland, who has acted as spokesman for the society, said he had suggested to the Minister that the Government should subsidise the cost of sending the thalidomide babies overseas for specialised treatment. “Financial assistance is needed to save the parents from being forced to sell their homes if they want to go overseas.” he said. The Lord Mayor of Sydney will call a public meeting to boost the "hands for babies fund." Take The High Ground The entire population of Adavale. a west Queensland town, has decided to move to higher ground. This follows 90 years of almost annual floods, culminating in a dramatic helicopter rescue of townspeople from floodwaters last March. Adavale is 650 miles from Brisbane.

Townspeople this week decided unanimously that it should be moved to higher ground. The move will effect every one of its 65 inhabitants.