NOISY PASSERS-BY

Evening Star, Issue 19723, 25 November 1927, Page 2

NOISY PASSERS-BY

HOSPITAL PATIENTS DISTURBED MOVE FOR “ QUIET AREAS " IK STREETS Quietness for the inmates of the Dunedin Hospital at night is demanded, and the Hospital Board last night decided to ask the City Council to closo King and Cumberland streets, between Hanover and Frederick streets, to vehicular traffic between 8 p.m. and -i a.m. Several members, though doubted tho practicability of the suggestion. The Otago Motor Club wrote supporting the board’s appeal to motorists to travel quietly past the hospital a t night. Mr J. W. Scurr said that vehicles made a noise outside the hospital up till 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Me moved that the board approach tho City Council and ask that King and Cumberland streets, between Frederick and Hanover streets, be declared a “quiet area" between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. No hai'dship would be inflicted by the prohibition of wheel traffic on anyone, and tho patients would get undisturbed rest at nights. Ho had been n patient at the hospital recently, and the noise nuisance at night had been so marked that lie could understand how serious it was for the patients in a low condition. Mrs Ross: What about the milk carts in the morning? Mr Scurr: They do not pass before G o’clock. Mr A. F. Quelch asked how the quiet area scheme could bo carried out. Doctors would bo compelled to leave their cars in Hanover street and walk to the hospital, and the ambulance would also be held up in urgent cases. He did not know of “quiet areas” in any city or borough. The practicability of the scheme was doubtful. Mr Scurr: Even if nothing is done, our move will advertise the need for quietness; yet I think the City Council should close those portions of the streets without inflicting hardship. Mr W. S. E. Knight: It will stres« tho need for quietness.