SAFETY FIRST

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

SAFETY FIRST

PAHIATUA MOTOR-CYCLISTS CO-OPERATE IN NEW DRIVE. Stops were taken by Pahiatua and Masterton motor-eye.ists iu*t night to co-operate with tne Transport parunent in tin latter’s "iuau safety campaign” to minimise inoioi accidents, delegates present agreeing most readily to co-operate authorities and appoint voluntary Jatrols to check lecklessness and about a high regard for observance ot regulations and safety laws.

The President of the Pahiatua (Rub, l>r. E B. Watson, was voted to the chair and introduced Mr Ken Fowler, president oi die New Zealand Auto Cycle Union who together with Mr W. B. McKenzie president of the Rangitikei club, had come from Marton to assise the Pahiatua motorcyclists in pushing ahead with the road safety campaign. Mr Fowler in ins opening iemarks referred to the large percentage of motor cyclists involved in road accidents in the Dominion, which had Jed to a threat by the Transport Department to take very drastic action which would probably mean the imposition ot speed limits and the total prohibition ol pillion riding on m<»tor_ cycles. Continuing, Mr howler said the Road Safety Council passed a icsolution recently, asking that publicity be given to the fact that the Safety Council was seriously considering a special speed limit and the prohibition of xiillion. riding. “The cyclist,’’ said Mr Fowler, ‘seems to have a bad name with tho public—he is looked upon as a social pest.” It was, therefor.*, up to the cyclists to rid themselves of ibis otherwise they would have their activities curtailed. Mr. A. Way (secretary) and Mr Jones( a vice-president of the N.Z. Auto-Cyclc Union, as a result ol an interview with the Transport Department had managed to prevent any intervention fur three months. They had presented a scheme which was favourably commented upon by the department. It rested with the cyclists whether in the next three months, fatalities were minimised. It ai-peared that the motorcyclist was much more icckless that* the motor-cai driver.

The scheme suggested, continued Mr Fowler, was to form voluntary patrols. Christchurch had initiated the scheme and it was working admil ably. Twelve patiols were i;i action and were doing good work. These liatrols warned the erring cyclist and should the same rider b< again for a similar offence, h“ reported, and his license would probably be suspended. These voluntary patrols consisted of members freo from accidents and convictions. . Mr howler then reviewed the jn»*et_ mg held in Palmerston North last Tuesday, at which they had decided to appoint voluntary patrols at which Mr Skilton had been appointed as ono patrol

Representations had been made to the Transx>ort Department that tho patrols be supplied with identification badges that could be worn in the lapel of the coat The Traffic Insxiectors had exx>ressed willingness to cooperate in any way with the cyclists to decrease the number of motorcycle accidents.

All over New Zealand, concluded Mr Fowler, similar meetings were being held and he felt that it iho matter was taken seriously the Transport Department's threat would not materialise The movement had been taken up very enthusiastically in Marton and Palmerston North where the speaker had addressed successful meetings. Mr Fowler strongly urged the club to revive interest among its members as the more clubs they got in the stronger they would become.

I he chairman explained that c» i:: > to the elub having lost the use ol the racecourse for holding motor races the membership had fallen and there were only about half a dozen ;n the town, making it impossible to organise trials as suggested by the speaker. Mr Fowler suggested that if thev were unable to revive the club it would oe better tor them to appoint another voluntary patrol 4*l the district. Ihe patrolman’s job required plenty ot tact. There would be no pay attached to it and there was ail honour and very little glorv in it said Mr Fowler. The chairman suggested that they could call a meeting of the motorcyclists _ and find out who would be acceptable to them t-o act along witit Mr Shilton who had been appointed North Parl ‘ er iu Palmerston Mr Fowler concurred with this view and suggested that the names ol the patrolmen appointed be forwariled to Mr A. Way, secretary of the JN.z. Auto-Cycle Union. Marton so that official badges might be >ssued. Mr McKenzie pointed out that the patiols could napless on ill. riders l! , o„l\"7° SK,ty " l ,. k< . < T‘"« within th.» tgulation sp* <*d limits and going over intersections at a reasonable sined The meeting concluded with a vote ot tlianivs u. Messrs Fowler and M<rvenzie lor e tilling to attend tho meeting. Mr howler in reply said that it. w-as the duty ot those at til. head ot tile motor cycle organisation to assist and promised to do all be could with the Minister of transport ii: hi. commendable safety first drive.