SAFETY FIRST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 198, 24 August 1935, Page 10

SAFETY FIRST

SEVEN TO TEN-YEAR PLAN N.I. MOTOR UNION'S DECISION. A NATIONAL OBCt ' NISATION. ( I’er Press Association ) NEW PLYMOUTH, Aug. 23. A seven to ten year plan for a national “Safety First” campaign, financed by £70,000 contributed by inteiy ested parties and the Government, controlled by a National Council of five, and having as its object the saving of the public, from injury or death in motor accidents, was unfolded at the conference of the North Island Motor Union by Mr. E A. Batt, of Wellington. Contributions totalling £5BOO were immediately promised from various bodies, ami approval and endorsement expressed by the conference. A sub-committee comprising Messrs. \V. A. O’Callaghan, W. G. Walkley, A. Grayson, E. A. Batt, F. W. Johnston and W. R. Carey was appointed to proceed with the inauguration of the movement. The attention of the Government will be drawn to the scheme and a subsidy of £5 to £1 will be sought. Last year’s toll of the road was 7000 casualties and 182 deaths, said Mr. Batt. Avoidance of that enormous economic loss by the education of people on correct safety first principles was considered by Mr. Batt as sufficient reason for the introduction of the plan. By spreading education over seven to tea years the new generation would grow up with the principles firmly established in mind and from then on the way would be easy. Contributions to the movement were promised to-day from automobile associations to the extent of £2300, the North Island Motor Union Insurance Company £2009, South Island Motor Union Insurance Company £1250, and the Wairarapa Auto Associations Mutual Insurance Company £250. it is expected that contributions will be made by oil concerns, motor traders and general insurance companies having motorists among them policyholders. It is suggested that the control of the organisation will lie representatives from the Government, South and North Island Motor Unions, insurance companies and oil interests, with a permanent secretary established in an office, probably at Wellington. It is considered probable that, safety first measures will consist chiecy of newspaper advertisements, publicity campaigns and radio talks. The sub-committee will formulate a general scheme of action.