PUBLIC OPINION DRIVING STOCK AND MOTORISTS

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 May 1948, Page 4

PUBLIC OPINION

DRIVING STOCK AND MOTORISTS

Sir,— Recently the local Press made reference to a discussion at. an Automobile meeting on the question of wandering stock. Some rather pertinent remarks have been reported, but very little appears to have been discussed in regard to the motorists obligation in this matter, and it does seem a pity, that, up to the present at any rate, no real steps have been taken to have this thing ventilated in the presence of those more vitally concerned. Thisis largely a matter for the closest co-operation between Drover and motorist, and tactics which allov. such remarks as were made by Mr. S. G. Whittail (who certainly could not have been serious) to get into the Press can hardly be calculated to best achieve this end. I have before me a list too numerous to enumerate here, of cases where the motorist, and this recently, by gross carelessness and negligence, particularly on one-way bridges, have not only had their cars knocked about i/iit also have caused serious damage to stock. The Iccal Town Bridge is somewhat of a classic example of stock being continually bunched up and frightened by the inconsiderate motorist, who, if he will only exercise a little courtesy, and wait a fevt moments is able to proceed much more quickly on his way and the farmer lands less bruised carcases al the stock’s destination. No drover wants to hold motorists up on the road any longer than is absolutely necessary, for it is to his own detriment should he do so; both he and the motorist are delayed and the stock very often badly Injured. Surely then the answer to this problem is getting together by all concerned at a ‘round the table’ frank and open discussion, with a minimum of delay. These pin-pricking remarks by those who apparently do not appreciate the issues involved must inevitably get the Drovers' backs up as it were and surely this can, by the right action by all concerned, be avoided. — I am., etc.,

G. A. PARTRIDGE, Local and District Agent and secretary. • New Zealand Workers’ Union, May 6.