MOTORING.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1890, 27 October 1913, Page 11

MOTORING.

Sir, —I have beon watching to see if the Parliament has given attention to what must bccomo a matter of importance to the general public!, viz,, motoring. That this mode of travelling has come to stay is boyond question, and that it will materially affect railway returns cannot be gainsaid, hence in what way will those charged with railway traffic regard this competitor is of interest. That they wul endeavour to ourtail motoring is more than likely: then how can antagonism bo avoided? I would humbly reply by the Government taking ovor all roads, at any rate, the main roada, and putting them in. thorough good order and maintaining them, and then liconsing all motorists, and charging a regular mileage rate for thoir use, so that the cost of construction and maintenance shall he a source of profit to the country in the same way that railways are considered. This would have several advantages. First, it should secure good roads; second, and most important, it would put some restraint upon that class of motorist who is quite regardless of his own safety and of anyone olae's, for, if tboso employed upon tho roads were charged with the duty of keeping an i eye on this class of rider, and if were imposed that would cool thoir reckless ardour,. fewer accidents would occur ; and with other penalties I would suggest withdrawing tho license for a period or for good j for such individuals ■ must he taught that they are not the only persons for whom roads exist, and that- tlioy must work in with others, ; and not ondangjor the weli-boing of their follow-men. As one who uses a motor- 1 cyclo, and who has now travelled through tho greater part of the North Island, and a part of the South, I can 1 speak from oxporlenco of the great need ' for roads that aro worthy of the name, ' especially in tho Auckland Province, hut j more especially of the constant immin- ' ent risk arising from reckless riders. ' often when going along a bad piece of j road or negotiating a winding" narrow 1 road up or down a gorge. I meet or am j overtaken by someone who is riding as ' if his very life depended on getting over the ground within a few seconds, when | minutes aro needed, and very often , these persons ure quite regardless of , what side of tho road they use. Awhile i back, I took two and a half hours over r thirty-four miles of rough, winding road, J and felt I went as fast as prudence , would lot me. When speaking to h j young man about the same road, he re- ~ plied, "I did it under an hour!" Trust- j ing this matter will be well-considored j before tho present session closes, —I am, } etc., t FRED. A. SPENCER. e .Wangaaui, October 21.