MOTOR TRAFFIC.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 August 1924, Page 12

MOTOR TRAFFIC.

CHECKING CARELESS DRIVING. Commenting nppn the Motor Vehicles Bill in an interview with a Wellington Post reporter on Tuesday evening, the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. R. F. Bollard) stated that one or two special features of the Bill made plain the intention of the Government to deal drastically with reckless and negligent drivers of motorcars. Serious motor-car accidents were far too frequent in this country, and he felt that Parliament, local bodies, and the automobile associations would aid the Government in the efforts it was making to curb the recklessness and negligence of the thoughtless driver. Mr. Bollard went on to say that the Bill had received the most careful consideration of all concerned with the promotion of the measure. “Linked up with the Motor Vehicles Bill,’’ he said, “is the Main Highways Act, and the passing of the Bill will tend to help to bring that Act which Parliament has placed on the Statute Book into full fruition. The Eron. Mr. Coates and myself, with the principal officers of the Public Woi’ks and Internal Affairs Departments, have been considering the Bill for some time past. It is hoped that the Bill -will meet with the approval of the Legislature ,and of also those with ■whom its provisions most vitally concern.” Dealing with the comment made by the New Zealand Automobile Association at its recent meeting, “that the Minister in charge of the Bill had not kept faith with motorists over the Bill by not circulating the measure prior to its presentation to Parliament.” Mr. Bollard said that all along he had stated that immediately the Bill was ready for circulation he would send copies for the consideration of the automobile associations and to the local bodies throughout New Zealand. “It is not proper,’” he said, “to circulate a Bill to come before the House until that Bill has passed its first reading. The first reading of the Motor Vehicles Bill was carried in the House- late this afternoon, and in accordance with my .promise, J have addressed to-night a copy of the Bill, together with a memorandum, to all the local authorities, and to the motor associations throughout the Dominion. indicated in the House when the Bill was being introduced, I intended to propose to the House that a special committee be set up to consider its provisions. That course would be taken next week. As copies of the measure have been sent to the execute of the Counties and Municipal Assoc! at ions, 1 have suggested to the different local bodies and associations to whom copies of the Bill have been sent that they make any comments desired to their executive. If that course is decided upon time would be saved and greater facilities given when the Special Committee is considering the Bill.’.’