'WOULD BE SUICIDAL'

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 18, 14 October 1937, Page 4

'WOULD BE SUICIDAL'

Removal of Condition of Negligence SAFETY 0F R0ADS "It would be suicidal to remov© the condition of negligcnce from the niotorist's shoulders," stated Mr. J. E. Gleadow at tlie eoiiclusion of a report to tlie Automobile Association (Hawke's Bay) by the president, Mr. J. H. Edmundsn, on a discussion between members of tbe North island Motor Union and the Minister of Justice, tlie Hon, H, G, It. Magon, on tlie question of tho proposed Motor Accident Damages Bill, which wili elimmate the nccessity for proVing ncgligence in claims for damages from mjuries arising from. motor accidents. Mr. Edmundson stated that both tho North and Soutb: Island Motor Unions and all the associations were strongly against the move, and had emphasised to tlie Minister that the question of increased motor taxation was subsidiary to the vital one of road aafety m the matter of their objectious. "He tned very hard to sell your delegates his idea," reported Mr. Edstmdson in refcrenco to two meetings with Mr. Mason on the subject, "but they did not aecept it for the reason that they considered, if the question ot negligcnce was entirely removed and the personal obligation on the individual motorist was to be in any way relaxed, that it was going to icad to a greater number of road accidents. "The variqus councils are greatly interested to reduce the number of road accidents and are keenly supporting the efforts of tbe Transport Department in that direction, and we feel that if this legislation is put ou the statute hook lt Would affect the safety of the roads — tliat a certain degree ot aecurity now in force due to «.he personal responsibility of the motorist would be lost. We are not in favour of any thing that would increase the number of accidents," added Mr. Edmundson. Mr. Gleadow : It would be suicidal/ to remove the condition of negligence from the motorist's shoulders. The meeting passed a resolution thanking the chairraan for his report.