High-speed chase

Press, 23 September 1980, Page 16

High-speed chase

Sir, — Two correspondents (September 22) have questioned “The Mainland Touch” coverage of a highspeed chase. The correspondents are entitled to their views on the issues raised and there are undoubtedly many people who feel similarly. However, I want to correct statements about the report in “TrM.T.” The chase occurred in an extraordinary situation. The motor.cycle being pursued raced up oneway streets the Wrong way, went through Cathedral Square and shot through the narrow Press Lane adjacent to the Square. In those circumstances, and responding to the comments of several bystanders, “T.M.T.” had a duty to ask the Ministry of Transport to explain its policy on such chases. This is all that was done; “T.M.T.”was never “critical” of the Ministry; it did faithfully report that the Ministry was responding to a law-breaking situation; the position of the youths being pursued was in no way glamorised. As I understand it, the Ministry is happy with the way the coverage was handled. — Yours, etc., A. P. FRANCE, Christchurch Regional Editor, “The Mainland Touch.” September 22, 1980. Sir, — I feel that I must add my voice to those people who have already protested against high-speed chases by traffic officers or police. We have never received anything but help and courtesy from traffic and police officers. But whatever the young people who are chased have done, it surely

does not warrant the death penalty. And think of the poor bereaved parents. The endless misery caused by the death of a son; or the brain-damage of another. I feel that nothing can really justify this. We should consider the innocent citizens who may be hurt on the way. — Yours, etc., MARYAN SHANKS. September 19, 1980.