SAFETY GATES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23320, 13 April 1939, Page 13

SAFETY GATES

CONSTRUCTION URGED BRIDGE PROJECT REVIVED MOTORISTS' RESOLUTIONS The provision of a gate at the top of the ramp at each landing on the Auck-land-Devonport vehicular ferry service was urged, on the motion of Mr. H. J. Butcher, by the council of the Automobile Association (Auckland), at a meeting last night. Tlio resolution followed a short discussion on the drowning of the two young women at Dcvonport on Tuesday night. The president, Mr. F. G. Farrell, said he was sure the sympathy of all members of the council would go out to the rolatives of the young women. In addition to stating that the construction of a gate at the top of the ramp was necessary, Mr. Farrell considered that the association should make further representations regarding the harbour bridge. lie said that in his opinion people were putting up with an out-of-date system :in Auckland. Mr. H. W. Bullock said he thought the association would bo lacking in its duty to the Auckland Province if it did not make representations to havo something done. The secretary, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, said that on Monday from four o'clock in the afternoon to 10 o'clock at night there was a long queue of motor-cars at Devonport waiting to cross the harbour. At one stage the queue stretched as far back as Cheltenham Boad. It had taken an hour and a-quarter to get on board a ferry. The council decided to write to the Prime Minister drawing his attention to the urgent need of a harbour bridge and urging the Government to take action.

The Devonport Borough Council at its meeting last night expressed sympathy with the parents of the victims. Tho Mayor, Mr. H. F. W. Meiklo, also referred to what ho contended a very real danger to drivers unfamiliar with the running of the ferries.