Christian Concern For Deaths On N.Z. Roads

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30896, 1 November 1965, Page 14

Christian Concern For Deaths On N.Z. Roads

Concern at the death toll on New Zealand roads was expressed by the Very Rev. P. Kearney, rector of the Redemptorist Monastery, New Brighton, in his address at Xavier College yesterday after the annual procession of Christ the King.

“We can set ourselves against slaughter on the roads for the love of Christ and the love of our fellow men,” Father Kearney said. “It can truly be part of o'ir commitment to Christ the King. Indeed, without it our commitment to Christ cannot be complete.” Father Kearney said that one thing above all was meant to be consecrated to Christ, and that was human life. “Within the last few years, the bishops of Australia addressed a letter to the Catholics of the whole country. The letter dealt with the sanctity of human life, and with one of the ways in which it is being violated. The letter

was headed, ‘Massacre on the Roads.’

“This surely, among many possible thoughts, must come to mind today,” Father Kearney said. “The national conscience was disturbed last year, when for the first time more than 400 people were killed on the roads of New Zealand. This year, with more than 10 deaths recorded each week, the toll is already nearing 500. There is concern for this, and it is a Christian concern.

“Respect for human life is one of our King's commands, not to be taken lightly. It is a matter of conscience that we never endanger the lives of others, even by carelessness. Each of us might well resolve never to sit behind the wheel of a car, unless we are fit to do so; never to drive behind the wheel, unless with courtesy and caution; never to contribute to a growing national scandal. Each of us should hope that his own good example might be an influence on others.”