Trench Warfare On Bank Corner

Northern Advocate, 17 December 1938, Page 14

Trench Warfare On Bank Corner

Modem warfare tactics have taken Whangarei by storm. Sand-bag barricades against aggressive motorists is the latest contrivance. Risking life and limb crossing the lour-way Bank Street corner, wary pedestrians have a haven of security in the daytime cement pill-box. Safety embedded in mid-stream, mothers, school children and the less courageous males spy out the land

and, when the traffic current slumbers for a brief moment, they dash for the safety of numbers beneath shop verandahs. A long stride, a sprightly walk .and streamlined action are demanded characters for the trench occupiers. Banger By Night, Sojourn must be short, for pedestrian forces grow daily, and he who lingers loses face with other shelterseekers. Night-time brings dreaded hours for after-work shoppers and window admirers. Removed from the scene of battle, the concrete safety zone

vanishes into unknown regions, leaving a barren field whereon motorist, cyclist, pedestrian and four-legged pet must wage bitter warfare. Beneath pallid Osira lights the white bordered rectangle lifts its unheeded markings to the skies. Forgotten when the sun goes down; but on. the morrow it will again be barricaded with cement bags, and once • more protection,will come the way of those who would be protected.