THE SILENT SIGN

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 November 1924, Page 5

THE SILENT SIGN

MOTOR* BY-LAWS. “KILL THE POLICEMAN." CRITICISM BY MR E. DIXON. ANSWERED BY THE MAYOR, There were verbal municipal “fireworks” at the official opening of the community lighting scheme in Hawera last night, when Mr Dixon, ex-mayor, towering on a chair above the Mayor (Mr L. A. Bone), both of whom had precarious “chairs” (on a motor lorry), suggested that the.police should exercise more “discretion” in the matter of offences by motorists. Speaking of the motor by-laws, Mr Dixon said that, as he was now out of municipal affairs, he had the privilege of criticising and of viewing matters from a different standpoint. By-laws were necessary, but tliey should be enforced with tact and judgment, and not made irksome. Referring to the “silent policeman,” “The first time a motorist from the country,” said Mr Dixon, “ran over this he should be w ( arned by the police. ” He should be warned a 'second time, and the third time he — As Mr Dixon raised his arm to emphasise his point a member, who may or may not have come in conflict with the police, interjected very quietly but emphatically: “Yes—and kill the policeman. ’ Mr Dixon joined in the laughter that ensued. Speaking of the well lighted streets of the town, Mr Dixon put in a plea for the country settler who came to town in a car. The main streets were very well lighted, and the man who came to the town in his car should be allowed to park it in various streets, say, Napier, Riddiford and Albion streets, well lighted so that there was no need of tail lights. This could be similar to the arrangements made for the taxi stand. If necessary the law should be altered. The Automobile Association should take up the matter. A nian from the back blocks who took a car into Hawera should not be immediately brought to book for some slight infringement of the by-law by parking Iris car in a side street. He should first be 'warned. The Mayor, replying to the statements made re by-laws, said that they were not harsh. C.ars were not toys, but powerful machines, with highpowered engines. He protested against the insinuation that the police were urn fair. “We have,” he said, “to look after the lives and limbs of the people. We cannot go beyond the statutes, and Mr Dixon should know that. We have to keep our main streets clear for traffic. We simply follow the by-laws, and the police here are most reasonable and are not half so. hard in respect to of? fences by motorists as the police in Auckland."