TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18048, 17 June 1930, Page 8

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON.

ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER. (By Telegraph—Press Association!). WELLINGTON, Tuesday. . The conference called by the Government to consider the best methods to. reduce the number of. traffic accidents opened to-day, representatives of local bodies and the Railway Department being present. Hon. W. A. Veitch (Minister of Railways) in the absence of Hon. W. B. Taverner (Minister of Public Works) in opening the proceedings said the conference was an indication that the Government was seriously impressed with the need of meeting the very comprehensive new conditions that that had arisen as the result of the introduction of the motor car and the internal combustion road motor vehicle. They were up against an appalling situation, and were losing about one life a day. He believed the number of accidents could be reduced as the result of the deliberations of the conference. Mr. J. S. Hunter, Commissioner of Transport, is presiding over the conference. ADDRESS BY MINISTER. PRINCIPAL CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS. UNCONTROLLED TRAFFIC. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The Minister of Railways to-day addressed the conference to consider ways and means of reducing traffic accidents and on behalf of the Government expressed condolence with the relations of the victims of the Christchurch smash. He would not like to have thought that the level crossing was the only source, or even the principal source, of danger. He believed that unorganised and uncontrolled traffic on the main road was the principal cause of accidents. Level crossings were by no means the chief danger or consideration. Every one of the dangers ■ must be carefully and seriously considered and weighed in the balance in deciding how to minimise accidents. . .