STREET ACCIDENTS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 184, 2 May 1933, Page 8

STREET ACCIDENTS

Number Surprisingly Small in N.S.W. ABSENCE OF SPEED LIMITS The number of motor accidents in New South Wales was surprisingly small, considering the volume of traffic and the speed at which the vehicles travelled, said Mr. T. Romain, claims manager of the North Island Motor Union Mutual Insurance Company, upon his return from Australia by the Monowai yesterday. Mr. Romain, who combined business with pleasure during his month’s stay in New South Wales, said that he had bad a general conference with representatives of the motor associations, when questions of mutual interest were discussed. From the point of view of insurance he found conditions entirely different from those in New Zealand. There were no speed limits in the metropolitan areas, but it was an offence to drive to the common danger. This, Mr. Romain thought, made the pedestrian more alert for the safety of his own life. He had been struck by the remarkably small number of accidents, especially considering that passengers on tramcars were allowed to alight at either side. Mr. Romain said that the weather conditions during his stay in Australia, with the exception of three days, had been perfect. He found the Australians, generally speaking, very sociable and very hospitable. They seemed to take a very optimistic view of the general trade depression, and were looking forward to a prosperous time in the near future. Mr. Romain paid a tribute to the work of the New South Wales Tourist Bureau, and expressed gratification at the way in which the bureau had assisted him in his inquiries.