ROAD SAFETY WEEK

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 25 November 1938, Page 9

ROAD SAFETY WEEK

IN EARLY DECEMBER ARRANGEMENTS IN NELSON PUBLIC MEETING LAST EVENING A public meeting was held in the City Council Chamber last evening for the purpose of making arrangements for the holding of a Road Safety Week in Nelson, from 4th to 11th December, in conjunction with other New Zealand centres. The Mayor, Mr G. L. Page, presided and stated that the proposal had been organised by the Government through the Transport Department. The co-operation was solicited of local bodies, automobile associations, garage proprietors, and all willing to assist in carrying out a week's activities in trying to lessen the toll of the road, especially during the Christmas holiday period. Last Christmas 38 had been killed and 856 injured in motor accidents on New Zealand roads; and this Christmas there would be 25,000 more vehicles on the roads with the accident risks commensurately increased. One was pleased to note that the Transport Department was fully alive to the matter, and it was incumbent on all responsible citizens to extend their fullest co-operation. Mr Page read a circular setting out proposals for consideration in arranging the Road Safety Week, including suggestions for road safety strips of calico to be carried by trade lorries; window stickers and leaflets being made available for distribution; pedestrian leaflets; posters for display in offices; screen slides; street banners; the humanitarian aspect to be discussed in ministers’ sermons and over the air; the suggestion that wrecks of old vehicles be tipped in conspicuous places so as not to obstruct traffic but to ensure that the public may absorb the lesson; a procession carrying road safety banners and slogans; and a road safety week poster competition etc. The Mayor asked for the co-operation of all local associations in trying to carry out this week of activities. He suggested the setting up of a committee to arrange for the carrying out of as many of the suggestions as practicable. EXECUTIVE AND SUB-COMMITTEES Mr W. R. Grace moved that a small executive be appointed; with sub committees. Mr G. Manson seconded the motion which was carried. The following executive was appointed: Messrs W. R. Grace, G. Manson, W. Martyn and the Mayor. It was resolved that a procession be not carried out; but that trade vehicles carry suitable signs during the week. Dr. S. A. Gibbs suggested that as the children were the most important to reach in such a campaign, a suitable address be given to every school in the district at the same hour on the same day. The Rev. J. Hay spoke in support, stating that he believed that the headmasters of the schools would co-operate.

It was decided that this matter and other arrangements be referred to subcommittees in whose hands the arrangements for the Week are placed.

The Mayor in closing the meeting thanked those present for their attendance, stating his belief that the campaign would go a long way towards reduring the number of accidents.