Parents' Responsibility In Road Safety

Chronicle (Levin), 17 December 1949, Page 4

Parents' Responsibility In Road Safety

The responsibility of parents in themselves setting a good example to their children in matters of roa'd safety was emphasised by the Automobile Association's school patrol officer, Mr. E. R. Silverwood, in a talk to the Shannon School Parents' Association recently. The correct use of the pedestrian crossings, stoppipg before crossing the road, and walking sfcraight across a road and not jay walking were all points of good road behaviour emphasised by Mr. Silverwood. He appealed, partipularly to parents of pre -school age children, to see that their front gates had good catches or that other methods were used to ensnre that their children did not wander on to the streets. Parents could ,help the safety campaign considerably, he added, by refusing to allow their children to play on the roads. ,JHe also thanked the teachers for their real assistance during the year and expressed the hope that there would he no accidents to. the children during the Christmas holi-days. Safety films and safety talks were undoubtedly of great value in saving lives, he said, hut everyone had to assist also in reducing the toll of accidents qn the roads. The visit to Shannon was one of Mr. Silverwood's regular calls and part of a tour of the district which he has now completed. The following schools were visited: Reikorangi, Waikanae, Otaki, Otaki Convent, Ohau, Muhunoa East, Levin, Levin Convent, Shannon, Mukerua, Tokomaru, Linton, Opiki, Poroutawhao and Koputaroa. Mr. Silverwood, who was accompanied by the local A.A. patrol officer, Mr. R. Keenan, thanked the. boys who had carried out their duties as school wardens and patrols for the excellent way in which they had done their work. He asked them to continue to do their best, even during the holidays, and assist the young children and advise them when necessary. At the Levin School five of the patrols are leaving\ for the Horowhenua College. They are : Robert Cameron (leader) , Ron Lycette (second in charge), R. Barrie, R. Chapman and M. Swan. Next term R. Porter will be the new Zea'der and A. Shanks second in charge, assisted by M. Barnes, R. Trass, R. Cowen, P. Bull, K. Shaw, G. Dowd, D. Bolt, B. Malcolm and H. Bull. The bicycle patrols will be led by I. Ireton, G. Shilton will be second in charge, assisted by L. Hobbs, J. Lagor, G. Tillson, J. Major, R. Gray J. Routley, E. Burnham and P. Grant. At Shannon School the wardens were A. Clough (leader), T. Pope (second in charge), B. Batchelar, D. Lee, G. Taylor, W-. Vipsen, R. Ropoama, G. Cameron, B. Lowry and E. Sjaunders. D. Lee and W. Vinsen will be the leaders next year, assisted by a new team. A debt of gratitude is owing to all these boys for their' eontribution to school roa'd siffety.