STEADY STREAM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27273, 27 December 1949, Page 4

STEADY STREAM

MOTORISTS ON THE MOVE AMBITIOUS LOADS Although many hundreds of motor vehicles of all descriptions have been passing in and out of Dunedin over the past week-end there appear to have been no more breakdowns or other untoward incidents than usually occur at this time of the year. The secretary of the Automobile Association Otago. Mr P. F. Harre, told the Daily Times last night that just as many old cars have taken to the highways as previously but most made a successful run beyond the outskirts of Dunedin at least. Officers of the association noticed a tendency this year towards harrying too heavy a load,, however, many of the smaller cars in particular requiring assistance because of the steep grades encountered outside the city. Other motorists who called for assistance were those who neglected to bring the elementary but necess,ary tools for minor breakdowns and punctures.

The heavy rain experienced in most parts of the province and other centres appears to have affe'cted few of the roads so far. An exception is the Otira

Gorge highway which has been closed to traffic. No further details from this area were available last night but the Lewis Pass was reported to be still negotiable. Motorists have been undeterred by the threatening weather, and the steady stream of traffic which began to pass in and out of the city on Friday has been maintained up till the present. Over 40 different parties arrived at Tahuna Park camp yesterday and about tne same number arrived during the previous two days. Garages have been kept busy with visiting cars which found the approaches to Dunedin a strain on parts, especially where caravans were in tow. All at Tahuna Park were settled in last night, however and although there were not enough cabins to go round the improvement in the weather later in the day made tent life less forbidding. For those who still wanted a solid roof over their heads provision was made by clearing an area under the grandstand and a party of young men spent the first night of their holidays in these unusual but nevertheless welcome surroundings. No major accidents were reported to the police during the week-end and automobile officers are stationed at strategic positions to deal with the minor mishaps. Two men have been patrolling Central Otago roads where the traffic has been the heaviest for many years. There was a continuous stream of vehicles passing through Cromwell on the way to the Takes district on both Saturday and Sunday and with yesterday’s tally it is most likely that all previous records will be broken. There is also an officer at each of the main approaches to the city. Government traffic inspectors are also on the roads and although they may be considered in an unlavouraole light by the more exuberant motorist, the average driver will no doubt, realise that a happy, accident free holiday depends largely on observing the law these men are there to enforce.