TRAFFIC INSPECTORS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26631, 29 November 1947, Page 9

TRAFFIC INSPECTORS

Sir, —Shortly after noon on November 15, we were amazed to see a traffic inspector in a late model coupe pass through Poolburn at- an entirely unnecessary speed. Without exaggeration, we estimated his speed at a good 45 miles per hour—definitely . not less, it being impossible to record the registered number for dust. In view of the facts that daily we are exhorted, per media of the radio and the newspapers, to save dollars for Britain, not to be “ throttle pumpers,” etc., and that there were no public attractions in the Central area, we feel there was no necessity for him to be travelling so rapidly. Apart from the total disregard for petrol consumption, we have no objection to a Government car being subjected to such a thrashing provided that the petrol used was paid for privately. Maybe this cruise was authorised by the Traffic Department, - but we fail to see where it complies in any degree with the propaganda to which we are being subjected continuously.—l am, etc., Quo Warranto. [A copy of this letter was referred to the Transport Department. After it had been retained for a week “to enable inquiries to be carried out,” the Daily Times was advised, that no comment would be forthcoming.—Ed., O.D.T.]

Sir,—The need to conserve petrol Is being widely advertised, yet what do we find? At any race meeting at Timaru and Dunedin you will find traffic inspectors from Qamaru busy round the totalisator. Have they any right there? I understand their boundary is Waitaki bridge to Palmerston. Can you give me any information on this, as they are using Government cars, for which the public is taxed.—l am, etc., Labourite.

TOfficials of the Transport Department had no comment to make when this letter was referred to them yesterday—Ed., O.D.T.]