LARRIKINISTIC OBSTRUCTION.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3553, 17 May 1880, Page 2

LARRIKINISTIC OBSTRUCTION.

(To the Editor of the EvjjKihg Stab.)

Sib,—l wish to call attention to a nuisance that exists to foot passengers in our thoroughfares by the group of people. congregated on the footpath*; blocking them to such an extent that it is next to impossible to pass. I allude more especially to Saturday evenings, when our wives and .families come down from the hills and elsewhere, to make purchases at the several stores, when I have often seen them compelled to take the miry horse road in order to avoid the crush. I am sure that, in this law-abiding community, it only requires to be mentioned to be obviated, as no doubt when miners meet in the street the discussion naturally turns upon which way this reef runs, or that leader crosses; and very often a horse is brought into question, and the assemblage get so interested in the conversation that they entirely forget that they are an obstruction to traffic. In large towns in the old country the stentorian voice of the constable, as he issues his mandate "Move on," will be heard, thereby reminding obstructionists that it is necessary to obey his order, or an accident would occur. Here, however, the police appear to be afraid of using, their authority in keeping the footpaths passable. I would recommend that the embryo rhetoricians should stand in (he road if they wish to have a yarn--there would not then be cause of complaint. Whilst on this matter, I woald make another suggestion. That we should adopt the custom which obtains in largely populated English towns—of walking on the left side of the footpath whether going up or down. By this system foot passengers do not come into collision, as they do here on dark Sunday evenings after the various places of. worship are closed. —I am, yours, &c,

Patbbfamilias. [We quite agree with our correspondent as to the necessity of maintaining a clear pathway, and should recommend the police to see into the matter.—Ed. E.B.]