The Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1939. Holiday Precautions

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 304, 26 December 1939, Page 6

The Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1939. Holiday Precautions

That misfortune should befall one at any time is not to be desired; but that it should happen now at this season of holiday happiness is doubly undesirable. Yet records show that during this very period risks are severely increased under a wide variety of headings. As a contribution to safer holidays we draw attention to some major risks and to precautions that lessen these risks of misfortune. Consider firstly motoring. Here is a hugely increased volume of traffic and on average a lowering of skill in handling motor-cars. Many persons making long journeys are suffering from fatigue and a great proportion are comparatively inexperienced drivers, travelling often on roads they are unused to. Jb'or botli the experienced and the inexperienced the need for care is manifest. Let the latter truly realise that he is somewhat out of his usual element and the former should realise that a big proportion of cars he comes upon are directed by unskilled persons. Realise, too, that fatigue is dulling perceptions and will slow reactions to avoid accidents of many now on the road. The temptation of making big trips in a single day should be resisted. Motorists should take their time. It is amazing how little is saved, even on a very long trip, by driving “all out” us compared with steady going. AlO per cent, time saving will, broadly speaking, raise the risk by over 100 per cent. Drivers should realise, too, the value of fairly frequent stops as a counter to fatigue. If 20 minutes is rested in each two hours one drives more safely and finishes more freshly. A holiday is for rest and recuperation; to work hard at the wheel is illogical. > For many, holiday travelling leads to the water, by sea, river or lake. Mere again lies the danger of “the New Zealand death,” as drowning has been termed; for this Dominion is reputed to have the world’s highest rate of drownings proportionate to population. Apart from Ihc risks of major tragedy, care is enjoined on account of two lesser but quite important associated ones. There are chills producing colds or worse, and the pains of sunburn which in some cases result in actual illness. Fear of water is not to be urged, but a wholesome respect should be held of its risks. And before leaving this liquid subject, if anyone is unable to swim, take the opportunity this summer to learn. This not alone for safety first ideals, but because of tho pleasure and benefits to bo derived from both the learning and practice thereof. New Zealand, once a land of forests, now possesses all too li',lie of this natural endowment. And to that little left, a quite considerable destruction is wrought each summer by fire—all foo often the result of some picnickers’ or campers’ carelessness. For such there is little excuse. Nor does fire risk end at the bush edge. Grass fires can be fearfully destructive to pastures, crops, fences and stock; even to buildings and human life t times. Let not the weight of a fire’s destruction rest upon the holidaymaker’s conscience to mar memories of what should have been a glorious holiday. The element most dangerous in this fire subject is the embers of an abandoned but improperly extinguished fire. Care should be taken that the fire is really out before leaving. Care, too, should be taken of wax matches and cigarette butts. Even the safe-appearing pipe has caused fires by igniting a coat when in the pocket. One such fire did several hundred pounds’ worth of damage.

Passing from the elements of nature, a final risk to be stressed is a human one pertaining to crowded places, as at race meetings. Here flourishes the pickpocket. To be bereft of one’s money is enough to spoil any holiday. Have a care of sharp eyes and nimble fingers! Also of the plausible strangers who propose a “little game of cards” or the man who has a “wonderful proposition.”