Culprits helped on the spot

Press, 4 January 1978, Page 1

Culprits helped on the spot

Constable P. F. Gilfedder suspected something was wrong on Jollies Pass Road, about a mile east of Hanmer Springs, on Monday evening, and went to investigate. The instincts of the Hanmer Springs constable were not wrong, for on the road was a patch of diesel oil the size of “an average house lounge.” Putting it down to the misguided exuberance of youths who indulge in “wheelies” and “spins,” he went to look for the culprits. Constable Gilfedder said he did not have much trouble finding the three offenders, two of whom he took out to the spot where

about five gallons of diesel fuel had been poured. The two youths then helped him place soil, pea gravel, and sawdust on the patch of diesel to try to lessen the danger for motorists. The third offender was taken out yesterday morning to inspect the handiwork of his two colleagues. But the site is still not entirely safe, and Constable Gilfedder has warned motorists to take the Jollies Pass Road just outside Hanmer Springs reasonably quietly in the next few days until the diesel has been absorbed into the road. The road leads to the Hanmer Forest Park.