ABILITY TEST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 8

ABILITY TEST

MOTORISTS AND LICENSES STERN "TRY-OUTS” PROPOSED FOR APPLICANTS. No matter what new ukase is made in the matter of issuing motor licenses, the Wanganui County Council apparently intends to stand staunchly for the views of ratepayers in the county area. It is evident that the members are alive to the essential differences in motoring conditions for city and. rural residents.

When, at yesterday’s meeting, a letter from the, Hon. K. 8. Williams, Minister of Public Works, was read on the matter of issuing licenses, its suggestions did not find full favour. Air Williams asked that local bodies assist in thc matter of testing license applicants fully as to their ability to drive in the busiest city street or on the most difficult of hilly country roads. He asked that no licenses be issued by a local body to a person not in its area, and pointed out that cases were known where persons unable to obtain a license under one body, had procured one from another. Not Up To The Mark. ”If thc test condition were imposed,” remarked Mr G. Darbyshire, County Clerk, "I don’t think many of our ratepayers could get licenses.” Air Darbyshire explained that country motorists were in the city only occasionally and most of them lived in districts of easy access. Mr D. Alackinosh: The idea is a lot of rubbish. How can a person be expected to be a proficient driver when he first applies for a license. He's had no practice. Air W. E. Broderick: It seems to me that they are putting all the blame on motor-drivers and not on pedestrians, who cause 90 per cent, of thc accidents.

Mr Darbyshire: I think a car is more necessary to a country ratepayer than one in the city. The idea is for applfbants to pass Auckland conditions. Air T. Hine: If they can pass Wanganui conditions, they’re all right. A member: They certainly are. There is ample test of a driver’s proficiency here. The letter was received.