SCHOOL FOR MOTORISTS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 451, 19 June 1937, Page 6

SCHOOL FOR MOTORISTS

SUCCESS OF SCHEME Mr Mosley’s Probation Plan Press Association —Copyright. Wellington, June 18. “‘I am more than pleased 'at the results achieved so far under the probation scheme for certain motoring offences,” stated the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, in an interview to-day. Mr Semple said that through the courtesy of Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., he bad been supplied with a copy of the probation officer’s, report, and' he had read it with considerable interest and not a little pleasure. "The outstanding feature of the report,” continued Mr Semple, “Is the statement that .the stiplated periods of instruction have been exceeded by from wenty minutes to half an hour because, owing to 'the interest shown, there is never any indication from the probationers that they wish to cease al: the correct time. “The instruction was made as graphic and as interesting as possible, and the instructor certainly knew his job. All sorts of questions were fired atihim'ait the conclusion ofiesfth class, and where it was necessary he illustrated the replies on a blackboard.

“Graphs showing itraffic flows, accident spot maps, parking spot maps, accident returns and photographs of accidemts were all utilised during the period, of instruction. Probationers were invited to ti'ice on the accident spot map the streets they mainly used when driving, and they were astounded at ths prevalence of accidents shown on their roultee.

“Assisted by illustrations on the blackboard, detailed instruction was given in the relative distances motor vehicles travelled, compared with pedestrians, in th® same 'time, the minimum stopping distances of vehicles at different speeds and the important part that the driver’s reaction plbys in an emergency. "The final lesson consisted of answering a series of written questions, and these were all answered correctly. The course was most complete and instructive and reflects the greatest: credit on the officers concerned.

“Mr Mosley is to be congratulated on the success of his experiment, and now that it has been proved I am sure other Magistrates will adopt this method of correction. Arrangements will be made for similar courses of instruction in all the larger centres, and the counts may rest assured thet the officers of my department will co-operate wtth them in every way.’’