THE DEADLY MOTOR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1131, 19 May 1911, Page 2

THE DEADLY MOTOR.

CITY COUNCIL IDEA. FAR STRICTER TIMK COMING. "I propose to start a crusade against the whole of tlio taxieabs in Wellington within :i fortnight," remarked the Mayor la*l n-iylit when moving, on behalf of the Finance Committee of the City Council, that Jlr. P. 0. Spry, of the fire brigade staff, be appointed motor expert and electrician by thp City Council, to ins-pect taxieabs, and generally to look alter the maintenance of (he lire brigade motors, and be' attached to Ike electrical department. The -Mayor went on to fay that the committee wished to prevent, cars running (as it, was known one did) every day for a week without a break. The proposal was that Mr. Spry should examine all taxieabs and motor-cars licensed by the council. They had got to such a. state of things in Wellington, owing to the rate of speed travelled at, etc., that the council needed a man who knew vhatjie was alxmt, an.d could not be "fooled." Councillor'Fletcher thought that, if the new duties were carried out properly, Mr. Sprv would have to leave the fire brigade. The Mavor: "That is so."

Councilor Fletcher drew attention to tho recommendation in regard to motorcars made by Mr. Doyle in his rcoent report. He agreed with the report that drivers should bo licensed, and also agreed as to the rate of speed. It was scandalous that cars should be allowed to travel at the rate at which they were driven in Wellington, especially on Saturday nights. It was only due to tho good sense of the people that serious accidents did not occur in the maiu streets. Ho thought that the council should consider the question of licensing drivers, and carrying out the- recommendations of Jtr. Doyle.

The Mayor remarked that it was proposed to put tilings in train, and then so to tho Government and ask for legislation. Councillor Shirtcliffe considered that (hero word some drivers in the city who should not be allowed to drive a. wheelbarrow—lot alone a motor-car. Councillor Fletcher: "Would you add that tha Finance Committee take into consideration the whole matter or the regulation of motor-cars?" The Mayer was understood to say that this would be done. Councillor Fitzgerald said that what was wanted was a strict examination to keep out some of the incompetents who drove toxical)* at. present. It was more, necessary to lest the ability of tho men than the stability of the car. The Mayor replied that that matter would be gone into. Mr. Barber: "Is it possible to prohibit motor-cars in Willis Street ou Saturday niirhts?" The Mayor nnintod out that this could not be done directly under the present law. At Hie same time, they could prosecute drivers for point; at an unreasonable speed in such if street, and so prevent them. The motion was agreed to, with Councillor Fletcher's amendment.