The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” THURSDAY, JUNE 16th, 1921. MOTOR TRACTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1921, Page 2

The Guardian AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “ The West Coast Times.” THURSDAY, JUNE 16th, 1921. MOTOR TRACTION.

At the meeting of the County Council on Tuesday the question of motor trac : tion occupied a good deal of attention. This modern means of transport coming so much into \oguo all over the world is naturally finding its way here, and the advancement is naturally a sign of the progress the district is making. It appears that the roads, and particularly the bridges are not standing the weighty and speedy traffic too well. Neither the roads nor the bridges were built for the class of traffic now being introduced, but it is manifest if the district is to advance in keeping with other parts of the Dominion, the class of traffic must be catered for to the best advantage. The degree to which it is provided for, is no doubt one of means, but the traffic should be encouraged rather than prohibited. The Council has it hi its power to restrict weight and speed, and to impose a license fee, or other means to raise funds to maintain the roads and bridges, for what is abnormal traffic compared wit: past usage. Owners of weight-carrying motors in their own interests should be prepared on their part to conform to the regulations the Council may issue as to weight and speed, which are not imposed in a prohibiting way to discourage the traffic, but as a precaution for the safety of all traffic using the public highway. What the Council is experiencing on the district roads, the Government is also finding out on the main roads, and unless those working the motor lgrries exercise greater care and show more forethought, they will find their privileges, if not much curtailed, certainly permitted only at a considerable annual cost For the development of industry and the advancement of the out-districts the motor traction can be of great service, and it is in the interests of the district as a whole to encourage the traffic ns much as possible under reasonable conditions, rather than restrict it, and it is a matter for the proprietors of these vehicles to work in harmony with the highway authorities. In regard to this subject of motor traction, the Council again deferred action on its own behalf ns to the choice of a motor lorry-for use for County purposes, The

Works Committee of the Council was undecided as to the course to recommend, though the Overseer was definite enough as to the type of machine to select. Halting between two minds the Council deferred the matter of a definite selection for six months. Meantime as much use as possible is being made of a four-wheel drive machine .

ascertain its adaptability to the various classes of work required of it in and about road maintenance ,and construe- ' tion. So far the trial has been cmiu i entlv satisfactory, and in the long last the Council might be able to make up its mind definitely. There is however one other reasonable excuse for delay, and that is the belief that prices are going to drop within the next few months. If this anticipation is realised the delay is excusable, but the point is will the fall he commensurate with the delay suffered in the meantime? Elsewhere local bodies an finding it good business to buy’ these road machines at the present time, and that is some indication of the practical outlook. The local Council is extra cautious and it is to he hoped that its procrastination in this matter will be justified by results. Plenty of examples can be given of the celerity with which work can he done by these motor machines, and six months’ time lost might he very costly when put into pounds, shilling and pence which could be saved otherwise. However the Council has made its decision, and that must stand, but it will be interesting to watch the final outcome.