MOTORISTS AND THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20867, 6 November 1929, Page 12

MOTORISTS AND THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib. —It would require little enough trouble to have my thoughts on the above subject verified by fellow sufferers, who, at many times, have felt most strongly concerning the practice of motorists, and particularly motor cyclists, in rushing past the public hospital in King street at an almost insensate speed. To a patient recovering from an anaesthetic, or to one in the first stages of return fo good health, nothing is more ezcrutiating or nerve-racking than being jarred and disturbed by sudden onslaughts of noise from those high-speed motorists who neither slacken speed nor attempt to diminish the noise of their machines. Strange though it may seem to your, readers, the worst period is in the early hours of Sunday morning—the time suggests midnight revellers. On' one particular night last week 15 cars and motor cycles passed the hospital block between 10.30- and 11 p.m. Of these, three cycles apparently had the, “cut out” open, two continued blowing their horns for a considerable length of the block, and two other cars appeared to he racing while' their occupants were shouting to each other. These are but typical cases. One _ almost feels that if some of these stupidly forgetful motorists were hoist with their own petard, a few nights in hospital would soon make them repentant.

I am aware of the fact that the close proximity of the hospital and Medical School buildings tends to accentuate the noise ■of passing traffic, and the drivers are probably tempted to . maintain an even speed by the excellent street surface, but I think they'should, and. could, have more care for’the feelings of the sic' and injured. Since little is gained by the appeals of the Otago Motor Club, is it not a matter, requiring the attention of a Corporation by-law either prescribing a muchreduced speed past the hospital block, or the curtailing of all motor traffic in this area within stated times? 'Perhaps a reminder to traffic in the nature, of Targe cross .signs. at both ends of the block in question, with red electric lights for night visibility, might be considered by the City _Council, -If this proposal were effective the cost would be more than compensated by the relief of the patients. At any rate, no community that prides itself on possessing, to any appreciable degree, a sense of humanitarianisin, would tolerate the continuance of this evil without some organised steps to mitigate it. We would not permit a pack of motor fiends to travel at breakneck speed or with rasping, discordant sounds through a funeral procession, but if we thus respect the dead, is it not reasonable and sensible to assume to have a care for many of those whose lives are in the balance? Life is precious, even though in pain and anguish.—l am,. etc., , Nisade, November 4.