OXFORD PLAGE POLE

Putaruru Press, Volume XII, Issue 563, 15 March 1934, Page 4

OXFORD PLAGE POLE

DANGER TO PUBLIC Legal Aspect Considered The attention of members of the Putaruru Chamber of Commerce was focussed during Monday evening’s meeting upon the possible dangers created by the removal by the Putaruru Town Board of the circle in Oxford Place and the power pole now left unprotected in the centre of the junction of roads. Discussion was based largely upon the opinion of the Thames Valley Power Board, reported in the Press, that the pole was “in an exposed and dangerous condition,” and the assurance given by the manager that the Town Board was responsible for damages resulting from a vehicle colliding with the pole. “If the post is hit at all, down come the lines,” said Mr. R. W. Cook, “ and if the Town Board has to indemnify the Power Board against loss it will come from the ratepayers.”

The secretary, Mr. A. H. Dukeson, stated that the pole would be painted white. Something should be put around the pole, Mr. Cook contended. He suggested a safety zone be built. During discussion on the aspect of an accident from a legal point of view, Mr. A. L. Mason thought that if anyone hit the pole and an insurance company was concerned, the case might go to the Privy Council before it was settled. “It bristles with possibilities,” he declared.

Mr. Cook moved that the Town Board should be asked to give the matter further consideration in view of the danger to the travelling public, particularly on a rainy night. This was carried.