TOLL IN N.S.W.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 1, 3 January 1939, Page 9

TOLL IN N.S.W.

SCORES OF ROAD SMASHES

SYDNEY. January 1

The New Year was/ushered in in Sydney in warm but threatening weather. There were the customary parties and a few bonfires, but the streets were generally quiet.

The New Year holidays again took a heavy toll of life ahd limb. In road accidents during the weekend six persons were killed, and several others were so seriously injured that there is little hope of their recovery. More than 40 persons were injured in Sydney alone. ' •

According to the police, there were scores of road smashes in which many motorists escaped with a shaking or minor cuts. The most serious accident occurred when a utility truck somersaulted four times oh Bellevue Hill, as a result of which two women and a man yV^ere killed, and a second man is in a critical condition.

Two young men and two young women, members of a camping party of 20 on Stradbroke Island, were drowned. After welcoming the New Year they climbed down the treacherous cliff to ascertain the cause of phosphorescent glow in the sea, and were apparently swept off the rocks. . '■ i (Received January 3, 1.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Since ..Christmas Eve 50 persons have been killed in New South Wales, including 25 in road accidents. Last year's /total for the same period was 30 deaths, 15 of which occurred on the roads. In Victoria 59 persons have lost their lives since Christmas Eve and nearly a hundred were injured. Drowning accounted for 21 deaths and road accidents for 18. - The Minister of Transport for New South Wales',-Mr. Bruxner, stated that motorists who wilfully flout the traffic laws will be given no quarter during 1939. "These people have been given a fair chance, and now the gloves are off and we will see what sterner \ measures will do," he said.