Silica Sand Project

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31762, 20 August 1968, Page 12

Silica Sand Project

Sir,—lt seems a pity that an export trade of silica sand might not eventuate merely because a permit might not be granted to carry the sand in a continuous shuttle service by road. What better way is there to break up road edges, cause potholes and force small cars off the road than a big fleet of speeding trucks? New Zealand needs all the export trade it can get and should be prepared to obtain it by any means it can. What seems an even greater pity is that the Mount Somers branch line should be closed a few months prematurely, merely because it was losing money—a natural bulkhaulage set-up just waiting to be used.—Yours, etc., KOS. August 18, 1968.

Mason Bridge

Sir, —As a frequent user of the Mason Bridge two miles north of Waiau, I am greatly disturbed by "he number of accidents that have occurred on this bridge. In the last six months four vehicles have crashed into the railings, incurring severe damage, but fortunately bodily injuries have been minor. The uneven planking on the bridge runs parallel to the railings, which causes cars to weave. With the added hazards of a footwide break in the planking down the centre and slippery conditions caused by rain and frost, it is a wonder that many more people have not come to grief. It is beyond my comprehension why the Amuri County Council has not either removed the planking or had warning signs posted, as the bridge is on Highway 70. I feel that this would be more constructive than repeated repairs to the railing, or do we have to wait for a fatal accident before we see some action’—Yours, etc., NEAR MISS. August 15, 1968.

[The Amuri County Clerk (Mr T. M. Hansby) replies: “The Amuri County this year applied to the National Roads Board for moneys to sply the handrail on this bridge, but no funds were available. Regarding the slippery surface, it is intended to lay a chip coat on the running planks as soon as the weather is suitable. In the meantime, users of the bridge should use caution and common sense."]

Education Sir,—Where are our leaders in education? Is the plea for the justice of smaller classes—a plea so often made by working teachers and many parents—just phoney? One cannot help but notice that our official leaders in education remain silent when the hammer of Government policy clangs out the tune on the size of classes in primary schools. Does the senior inspector of schools in Canterbury, for instance, consider that class sizes should be reduced in many of our schools? If so, what practical proposals could he make to bring, say, more part-time teachers into the classrooms without the need for more buildings? If parents’ and teachers' claims for smaller classes are false, it is time such people as senior inspectors said so, or are they merely spokesmen for Government policy?— Yours, etc., LEADERSHIP COMES FROM THE TOP. August 17, 1968.

Rental Cars

Sir, —As one vitally interested in the promotion of tourism, I have followed with dismay Avis Rent-A-Car’s efforts to get 50 cars into New Zealand. I am concerned at the short sightedness of the Government in stifling outside operators. Avis is a household name in travel in Australia, and could “sell” New Zealand through hundreds of outlets (providing they can sell an Avis car). Australia is booming today, mainly because it opened its doors to men with ideas and capital to develop them. If we still consider ourselves a freeenterprise country, let us open our doors to all, and may the best man win!— Yours, etc., (Mrs) A. R. RYAN. Queenstown, August 15, 1968. ’