RUSH FROM THE RACES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19217, 5 January 1926, Page 11

RUSH FROM THE RACES.

MOTOR-CARS AT ELLERSLIE. NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS. DRIVERS WHO BREAK LINE. In order to avoid congestion of motor traffic in Green Lane, after the close o! its meetings, the Auckland Racing Club is building a new " outside " exit gateway sbout 100 yards on the Remuera side of the main gates of the course. The high stone wall which borders thg road, shutting off what is known as "The Hill," bas been dismantled at the selected point, and handsome red brick gate piers are being erected. The purpose- is to continue using the present " outside " entrance at the left of the main gates. Motor-cars and pedestrians will still enter there, but at the close of a meeting both will go out by the nevr gate. The club has an arrangement with tho police whereby all motor traffic from this gate will be prevented from turning to tho left, that is to say, in tho direction of the Great South Road. Motorists wishing to go in direction will hava to turn toward Remuera and raake their way round by another route. The reason for this is that at present three streams of cars emerge into Green L&ne at points close together, and confusion is apt to result. Under the new arrangement two streams of cars (members' cars and others from the enclosure) will still emerge from tho main gates. The " outside " cans, coming out soms distance down the road, cannot be allowed to traval past the gates from which the others are entering the roadway. They are, therefore, to bo diverted toward Remuera. Complaint ajid a Beplv, A motorist who had been delayed in leaving tho Ellerslie course on Saturday complained to a New Zealand Herald representative after the meeting that the exit gate for non-members' cars was too narrow, and ought to be widened. Ho stated that the cars travelled down tho long avenue two, and somotimes even three, abreast. The gate was narrower than tlie avenue, and there was much congestion near it. He suggested that a policeman or official should be stationed half-way down the avenue to prevent drivers from breaking tho line'. Tho matter was referred to Mr. W, S. Spence, secretary of tho Auckland Raoing Club yesterday. After explaining tho new arrangements for " outside " cars, Mr. Spence stated that they did not affect traffic within the main gates. The arrangemonts for that were quite satisfactory, if only motorists would obsorvo them. Drivers Most Keep line. " The avenue for members' cars and the one for non-members' cars are both wide enough to take two lines, one inward and one outward," he said. "Even then there is room to spare. We must provide an inlet in each instance, so that taxicabs and private cars can come in to pick up people. There is room for only one stream of outward-bound cars in each avenue. If drivers will only keep in line there need be no trouble. We sot a speed-limit of 12 miles an hour, but we try to keep a pace fast enough to prevent engines from stalling. " The troublo is, we have no legal power to regulate traffic on our property," continued Mr. Spence. " Once wo stationed a man half-way down the avenue to keep the cars in line. One driver defied him and ran over his foot. We intended to prosecute, but found that w<j had no remedy against the driver for disobeying orders,- as it was not a publio road. But, as I said, there is ample room if motorists will behave properly." Asked whether a new entrance or exit for motor traffic would not have to ba provided some years hence, Mr. Spence said the club did not think that one would be necessary. The present parking ground in the enclosure was also ample, and a new one for " outside " cars was being formed near tho exit gate at present under construction.