H.-^O

(5) The bicycle and motor-lorry both show substantial increases on last year's figures. The cyclist can do much to reduce the chances of accident to himself, particularly at night-time. Few bicycle reflectors are efficient, although the difference in cost between the efficient and non-efficient types is negligible. Many local authorities have by-laws requiring the rear mudguard to be painted white, and this is considered to be an excellent idea. The cyclist should be particularly careful on wet nights on bitumen roads. The fact that a large proportion of goods-vehicles which ply for hire require to be licensed under Licensing Act, 1931, may assist indirectly in a reduction of accidents in this field. Although no system of inspection of such vehicles has been imposed or is contemplated, it is a statutory condition of every license that the vehicles used under it shall be maintained in a fit and proper condition to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Transport ; and also the vehicles proposed to be used in the service form one of the factors required to be taken into account by a licensing authority before granting a license. (6) The motor-omnibus shows the excellent record of being involved in no fatal accidents for the year. (7) In spite of fatalities having decreased, collisions of vehicle with vehicle have increased. This is accounted for principally by the failure to keep to the left or to comply with the intersection rule of giving way to traffic on one's right. These two breaches alone account for nearly a quarter of this year's fatalities, and, with faulty lights, are the major causes of this year's accidents. It is distressing that so large a proportion of the accidents are due to these cause, which by the mere occurrence of the accident imply necessarily a lack of care on the part of one or more of the parties involved. (b) Enforcement. The position as to enforcement generally was dealt with in last year's report, and the statements therein made still apply to present conditions. An examination of the statistics of prosecutions for traffic offences shows the following results for the past three years ending 31st December : —

These figures seem to bear out that last year's reduction in prosecutions was due to the lesser number of vehicles on the roads caused by present economic conditions ; but it is gratifying to note that the 1931 figures for dangerous driving, which were the lowest for five years, show a still further substantial reduction. The large increase in the prosecutions for breaches in lighting of vehicles is considered to be an indication of increased activity by Inspectors and police officers in connection with this offence. It is to be hoped that this increased activity will continue, as lighting offences have been particularly prevalent for some years past, and, as fatality figures show, are a prolific cause of serious accidents. 10. TRANSPORT LEGISLATION IN OTHER COUNTRIES. (a) Great Britain. Transport legislation overseas of great interest in the past year is contained in the Road and Rail Traffic Bill of Great Britain which, on latest advice, has passed the House of Commons and will be sent to the House of Lords when Parliament reopens. The main proposals in the Bill are, firstly, for the purpose of controlling goods-transport by a licensing system with right of appeal as in force in this country, and, secondly, to effect amendment to the Railways Act for the purpose chiefly of enabling the railway companies to make agreed charges with individual traders, subject to such charges being approved by the Railway Rates Tribunal. The road-transport section of the Bill is much more extensive in its field of licensing control than the New Zealand goods legislation, but the licensing authorities' powers are not so complete. Even vehicles used in carrying only the owners' goods are to be licensed.* (b) Victoria, Australia. Transport Regulation Act, 1932. This is the first instalment of legislation for the control of passenger and goods motor-transport. It sets up a representative " Transport Regulation Board " of five members appointed by the Governor in Council. The Department is advised that the second section of the legislation, dealing with the system of control was introduced to Parliament, but was deferred owing to lack of parliamentary time. Latest advice is that it has again been introduced in a modified form. The following

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1930. 1931. 1932. Total number of convictions.. .. .. .. .. 18,145 15,135 15,604 Convictions for negligent and dangerous driving .. .. 3,923 3,109 2,693 Convictions for lighting breaches .. .. .. .. 3,965 2,557 3,406 Other main causes .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,971 1,967 1,803