TRAFFIC IN SYDNEY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 227, 24 August 1938, Page 15

TRAFFIC IN SYDNEY

COUNCILLOR’S EXPERIENCE. Interesting observations made on a trip to Sydney were incorporated in a report presented to the Palmerston North City Council, on Monday night by Cr. D. F. Smillie. Cr. Smillie said that he had v bcen privileged to inspect the works of two of the largest motor body builders in New South Wales. One would consider nothing but an all-steel frame, and the oher preferred a wood and steel make-up. The charge for the regular bus body was 30 per cent to 33 1-3 per cent below- the New Zealand price. From the general appearance of the completed job, Cr. Smillie preferred the New Zealand type. “I was introduced to Mr. L. Grouse, secretary to the Transport Commissioner, and discussed with him general matters of interest relative to motor traffic, receiving from him a copy of the Act and regulations which, once I get an opportunity to study them fully, should prove interesting. There are a few points in the New Zealand regulations in which I consider we are ahead of our friends in Australia, and particulary would I refer to that regulation which refers to every motor being required to have a hdlf-year-ly inspection. Apparently, there was some talk of such a regulation being brought in, but from what I could understand the private motor interests (automobile associations, etc.) are not in favour of it. In view of no such regulation, there does not appear to be need for a special testing station as set out by the requirements in New Zealand. The third party risk, -'as we know it in New Zealand, is not in force in Australia, though insurance companies have been discussing it. “In the matter of traffic control in Sydney, on looking round I was amused to think that ,we in Palmerston North are rather worried about our traffic control. During the whole of my stay I did not see one ‘jamb’ and those iyho have visited Sydney will clearly ' understand what traffic means. I put such excellent control to two factors, first,, the education of the drivers and the pedestrians to obey signals, and secondly, but the more important, the courtesy and efficient manner in which the traffic officers carry out their duties. At several busy corners and crossings- I timed the officer and I found that the direction of traffic was changed on an average of six times in two minutes.”

The Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) said the council was indebted to Cr. Smillie for the report, and a motion of thanks was accorded him.