Prosecutions Likely If Bicycles Are Not Properly Equipped

Wanganui Chronicle, 31 May 1949, Page 2

Prosecutions Likely If Bicycles Are Not Properly Equipped

The light check on motor-vehicles carried out in Marton on Friday night showed an improvement on last year, said the traffic inspector. Mr W. C. Shaw, yesterday. Of the 55 vehicles examined, only five were issued with traffic offence notices. A number of drivers, however were asked to have their lights adjusted. The check was carried out in North Broadway from 6 to 9.30 p.m., and Inspector Shaw was assisted by Inspectors C. J. Robinson (Palmerston North), H. G. Parreau (Feilding) and Mr R. G. McConnell, vehicle inspector (Marton). Besides motor-cars, bicycles were also checked to see if they conformed to the regulations. The standard was reasonably good. It was emphasised by Inspector Shaw yesterday that prosecutions would follow in future if cycles were found ill-equipped. “The warning stage has passed,” he added. All bicycles must have 12 square inches of white paint on the rear mudguard, a red reflector if not equipped with a rear light, and a bell, while the cycle must have an effective brake operating on the rear wheel, explained the inspector. The inspector said it was the policy of the' depai-'-.ent to continue with light checks on both vehicles and bicycles during the winter months. Those found defective would be prosecuted. TRANSPORT LICENSING AUTHORITY SITS IN MARTON Several applications came before the No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority at a sitting in Marton yesterday, Mr J. P. O. Skoglund presiding. An application bj W. S. J. Thompson (Marton) to.extend his seasonal goods service licence to continuous lor the cartage of metal to farmers and local bodies, was granted. Mr K. A. Williams, who appeared for Thompson, said that applicant had a seasonal licence from November to April, but was now under contract to Santoft station to cart considerable metal in connection with the development work there. He was also engaged in carting for the Rangitikei County Council, one vehicle being continuously engaged in that work. A certain amount of metal carting was also done for farmers.

No objections were lodged and the application was granted. To facilitate the transport of football, hockey and basketball teams, D. M. Chapman (Bulls) was granted the right to use an additional vehicle on his present passenger contract licence. He was supported by Mr J. McDowell, secretary of the Manawatu Transport Alliance, who said that Chapman had operated a passenger service for several years. He had two suitable vehicles. At present his licence permitted him to use only one at a time, but to assist in the transport of sporting teams it was desired to use the two simultaneously. At present, because transport was not available in the afternoon, some games had to be played in the morning. This would be overcome if there was an additional truck available for the afternoon.

An application by Gordon A. Sherlock, Lake Alice, to amend his taxicab licence was refused. Mr J. R. L. Stanford, who represented Sherlock, said that at the December sitting applicant was granted a taxi-cab licence to operate within 0 six miles radius of Sanson, but excluding the Bulls Town Board district. Applicant now desired to have that part of the licence concerning the Bulls Town Board deleted. An objection was lodged by Mr J. McDowell on behalf of D. M. Chapman, taxi proprietor, Bulls. The applicant in evidence said his present licence enabled him to initiate a contract within a six miles radius of Sanson. He now wanted a right to pick up passengers in Bulls. At present he was not permitted to do that. He considered there was plenty of taxi work available. The R.S.A. was supporting him in his application. To Mr McDowell, applicant said he had not a great number of passengers from Sanson, but it was, quite good from Ohakea. However, he had had to turn away business from Bulls because he could not pick up passengers in that locality.

After further evidence it was pointed out by the Authority that Sherlock had a licence for a private hire taxi and it would be necessary for him to apply for a public licence. Mr Skoglund said he would therefore be prepared to adjourn the application to the next sitting. Sherlock intimated, however, that he would have to hand his present licence in if his application was not granted at the present hearing. The Authority said this could not be done and refused to grant the amendment.

SUCCESSFUL YEAR REPORTED UPON BY W.D.F.F. A successful year was reported upon by the president, Mrs A. Stantiall at the annual meeting of the Bonny Glen-South Makirikiri branch of the W.D.F.F. The branch, said Mrs Stantiall, had suffered a great loss in the death of a former president, Mr W. Gow. The shop day held last year had been a great success and the proceeds had enabled the branch to forward a number of soap and meat parcels to England. These had been, very much appreciated. In concluding her review of the year, Mrs Stantiall thanked all members for their co-operation, especially the secretary, Mrs Toogood. who bad been of great help to her since she had taken office. Mrs V. Whittington presented Mrs Stantiall and Mrs Toogood with shoulder sprays on behalf of the committee and members. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mrs A. Stantiall; secretary, Mrs Toogood; assistant secretary. Mrs M. Brightwell; vice-presidents, Mesdames V. Whittington and C. Gudopp; committee, Mesdames' J. Stuart, G. Wilhelm and H. W. Gudopp. The next, meeting will be held at the home of Mrs H. W. Gudopp on June 8 and the competition is for the best chrysanthemum. Members were reminded of the special photo competition for the next meeting. The priz. o has been kindly donated by Mr R. T. C. Scott. NATIONAL PARTY BALL At the presentation of debutantes at the National Party ball to be held in the Marton Civic Theatre tomorrow night, Mr and Mrs McClure, Mayor and Mayoress of Feilding. will be assisting Mr and Mrs E. B. Gordon. Due to both Mr and Mrs Barton having other official duties to perform at the ball, Mr and Mrs McClure have kindly consented to deputise.