The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1938 SAFETY FIRST CAMPAIGN.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 13889, 23 June 1938, Page 4

The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1938 SAFETY FIRST CAMPAIGN.

Figures quoted recently by the Minister of Transport show that of the 300,000 motor owners in New Zealand 26,000 are motor cyclists who were involved in no less than 892 accidents during the year 1937-38. Of this number 26 riders and 2 pillion passengers were killed, leaving 106 riders and 145 pillion riders injured—which everyone must admit is altogether too high .a percentage. Tt thus occasioned no surprise to see Hon. Rebt. Semple, steiD in and announce that something would have to be done to improve the position. Mr Semple Intimated that someth./ig drastic would be done by his Department if the motor cyclists failed to face up to the position. This no doubt would involve the introduction of special speed limits and the total prohibition of pillion riding. The intervention of the New Zealand Auto Cycle Union caused the Minister to stay proceedings for three months in order to give the motor cyclists an opportunity of meeting the Minister's wishes. The upshot of the matter was a scheme to set up voluntary patrols in every district to discourage speeding and reckless riding and generally endeavour to show delinquents the error of their ways. Already patrols, appointed from the ranks of the motorists themselves, are doing excellent work in other parts of the country and before long similar results should accrue in and around Pahiatua. The meeting held in Pahiatua last night indicated that local motor cyclists are keen to associate themselves with the movement to bring greater safety oil the road and thus reduce the number of motor accidents. It should be remembered that the volunteer patrols get absolutely nothing for their services and are merely functioning in the interests of the motorists themselves. It must not be overlooked either that it is the intention of the Minister to cancel licenses of erring riders instead of fining them and this will assuredly put the latter on their metal. We heartily endorse the efforts of local riders and extend our congratulations to them on being sc ready to associate themselves with the campaign.