Traffic Matters In Whakatane Reported On

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 7, 13 October 1950, Page 4

Traffic Matters In Whakatane Reported On

Traffic inspector M. C. Bridge, reported as follows to the Whakatane Borough Council on Monday night:— Driving Tests: Seven applicants were tested, seven passed. Accidents: One slight accident occurred in the Strand on September 23. A motor omnibus reversed into a stationary car, causing slight damage to the tail-light. Heavy Motor Vehicles: Operating without a heavy traffic license 1, overloading in excess of heavy traffic license 1, number of vehicles weighed 5, total checked for loading offences 7, number of vehicles exceeding speed limit 1, number warned for traffic offences for the above 3.

Other Traffic Offences: While on patrol it was found necessary to warn nine offenders for minor or borderline offences. Two traffic offence notices were issued including the following: Insufficient lights 1, no warant of fitness, no tail light 1. Prosecutions Conducted: Unregistered motor vehicle 1, no warrant of fitness 1.

General: During the month, five Representative Rugby games were played in Whakatane, all being in defence of the Te Hurinui Apanui or Shalfoon Shields. All these games caused considerable local interest and as a consequence large crowds assembled. I experienced no trouble in handling the traffic present. In addition, the Matatua Sextentenary- Celebrations were held in the Wairaka Pa. It is estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors from outside tribes attended these celebrations. The re-enacting of the landing on the Matatua Canoe at the wharf, on Saturday, September 23, created a lot of interest, not only among the Maoris, but also among the European population of Whakatane and the surrounding district. In the afternoon, tribal sports were held in the Domain and once again a large crowd attended. Outside assistance was obtained to help control the large volume of traffic present.