MOTOR-CAR TRAFFIC-

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1437, 11 May 1912, Page 5

MOTOR-CAR TRAFFIC-

-;„ ' ,■■■- ~.". .'...,♦■ ...,, ... NEW REGULATIONS URGED. (By Telojraph.—Press Association.) Auckland, May 10. 'Evidence of interest regarding the regulation of motor-car traffic was given by Mr. Lindsay, traffic inspector for the city of Auckland, at tho adjourned inquest touching the death of Mrs. Prowse, who was run dowa by a motor-car at Remnera on March 8. ' Mr. Lindsay stated that there was a regulation requiring the driver of a passenger car to hold a license for that purpose, nnd the number of the car also had to be registered. This only applied ■to suc-h cars as wero in uso in the-city. He did not know whether thero was any such regulation in existence in Remuera. Hβ considered it was urgently necessary for. the Government to frame regulations dealing with the matter. The Motor Regulation Act of 1908 made no provision in the case of privately-owned cars, and owners of such cars had no restrictions placed on them either as to speed or competence. All such drivers should be registered. There was great danger in driving a motor-car, and all persons who drove them should, in the interests of the *uhlic, have something to show thnt th<nwere competent to drive. The driver* « licensed cars did not havo to pass an examination, but they had to get a certificate signed by an expert. Continuing, Mr. Lindsay eaid he had roason to belioTo that a number of private cars 'were being driven which did not have efficient brako gear, but he was unable to do anything in the matter. On some licensed cars, however, ho had condemned brako3 and ordered efficient ones to bo installed. The coroner stated he would forward Mr. Lindsay's recommendation on to tho Minister who had charge of such affairs. It has been stated that Coyent Garden, London, closed tho season with a loss of £Ufi(so, said to bo duo to Haminereteiu's competition. It must to remembered that tho real Covent Garden season docs not take place in the winter timo, but in the spring and early summer, ■when i.tho Court "Drawing Rooms" are being held. A winter season at Covent Garden has nono of the social prestige of the "Royal Opera," and it is scarcely to bo wondered at if the London operagoers prefer Haminerstein's now and ehiny opera houso to the antiquated red-plush grandeur of Covent Garden.