MOTOR TRAFFIC.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 308, 26 November 1932, Page 2

MOTOR TRAFFIC.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—The Council • are evidently wobbling at the request of the 100 per cent, business deputation, which recently requested them to rescind a resolution re the closing of the Square to motor traffic on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The public safety unquestionably was the chief consideration when the Civic Fathers’ decision was finalised. Now the question of the loss of profits to interested individuals of the above 100 per cent, organisation will cause yet another municipal somersault. One could cite cases to prove tire indefinite attitude adopted by. our Civic Fathers. Councillors are badly needed who have the courage of their convictions. Most ratepayers said at the time, and since, that the Council were justified in preventing irresponsible motor drivers from converting the congested Square (on children’s night) into a freak speedway. Compromising by appointing* additional traffic assistants, or the adoption of one-way traffic, or keep-moving rule, etc., is merely proving that our Council are sadly lacking in the ability to arrive at definite conclusions. Sidestepping on this vital question will be remembered by the majority of residents whose only remedy will be to eventually vote for a set of Councillors who, at least, possess decided opinions on all questions concerning the rights of the public generally'. The day of sectional interest is rapidly passing. The deputation have overlooked the fact that not so long back some of them approached the Council objecting to the parking of cars in front of their premises, consequently they also are displaying in their action inconsistency. All the cities and towns worth while have prohibited all traffic, not alone motor, on these particular njglrts, realising the danger to the tremendous crowds. Let us hope that on this occasion the Civic Fathers will stand by their guns and defend their own action, even against the best interests of sordid materialism.—l am, tU " SQUARE DEAL.