THE MENACE OF NOISE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 365, 5 March 1932, Page 9

THE MENACE OF NOISE.

To the Editor. Dear Sir, —This morning I received a marked copy of a newspaper enclosing the following note unsigned: “As one of our few live medical men, cannot you do something to protect the many poorer people who have to live near tne railways?” If that writer would kindly call on me by appointment, his identity will be kept sacred and something may happen. Nothing worth while can be done unless a live committee is set up for a crusade against preventable nuisances on a wide scale. This committee must contain live men and women who can and will work. Such citizens do exist. Let me ask you to call upon them to start a mission in your liberal columns. Such great apathy is usually exhibited from those who should help that one almost despairs of any progress. Railway horror wiustles and motor hooters are both quite unnecessary ii crossings are protected by correct lighting and shuntings are done by light signs instead of noise gadgets. Already coloured lamps have replaced bells in our up-to-date hospitals. Motor hootings and other street noises can be eliminated by rigid bylaws to be enacted, and the resurrection and resuscitation of those now dormant, existing and asking to be administered. At any rate, Mr Editor, with your usual good help, let us have a try. My unknown friend and others will no doubt help. Make a start on such a heavy-weight quartette as: Noise, Dust, Smoke, Garbage. Perhaps you could give us a kick off. This needs a team, and I am one of it. —I am, etc., HENRY T. J. THACKER, F.R.C.S.I. March 4, 1932.

This journal has repeatedly protested against the nuisance caused by street noises in Christchurch, and it will lend full support to any movement for their abatement.—Editor, “ Star.” I