GREEN PAINT AND PLAY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 197, 19 July 1935, Page 10

GREEN PAINT AND PLAY.

PROVISION FOR CHILDREN

tYe are in future to associate green paint with the games of slum children (writes a London correspondent). It might have been red. or blue or even grey, but the authorities have (strange though it may seem) chosen that cheerful hue of green, perhaps to indicate to the poor mites that England (outside the slums) is a green and pleasant land. . Here it is necessary to explain that London has decided to follow the example of Manchester by setting aside certain streets as playgrounds for children who live far from the public parks and “open spaces.” Accoidin<r to Mr Hore-Belisha, our former hardworking Minister for Transport (who was willing to accept an idea even if it originated in Manchester), the experiment will first be tried in Southwark and Paddington two very congested and impoverished districts. He intended, and his successor intends to have the kerbs of several thoroughfares daubed with green, and to put up notices forbidding any vehicles to enter “except on business. Thus thousands of children who now romp amid the charging traffic will be able to enjoy their games in relative *”This, indeed, is but one of the moves inspired by the enormous proportion of children killed in road accidents. One in three of the pedestrians slaughtered in the streets, last year, was under 15 years of age, the total fatalities ainonfX children being 1171. This is an avoidable death-roll which would disgrace any nation. To be candid, the Government lias been shamed into direct action. It has decided that not only must boys and girls bo protected during their play hours, but that they shall also be given regular-lessons in road safety. To this end, special committees have been appointed to prepare standard courses as part of the curriculum of every school. The speed limit of 30 m.p.h. and the new svstem of driving tests represent further forms of safety insurance. The motoring public has kicked, and lucked vigorously, against both impositions,, hut authority has had its way. Each measure is being applied ruthlessly a fact amply illustrated by thousands of convictions for speeding and by the circumstance that 10 per cent, of the applicants for driving licenses have failed. This 10 per cent, of inefheients would, under the old method, have been qualified motorists the sole qualification then being the payment of five shillings for a be-”- \