RENALL STREET CROSSING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 September 1938, Page 9

RENALL STREET CROSSING

ELECTRIC ALARM TO BE INSTALLED. DEPARTMENTAL DECISION. At the monthly meeting of the Wairarapa Automobile Association the Commissioner of Transport advised that the Department’s Chief Traffic Inspector had inspected the Renall Street railway crossing in Masterton. To departmental representations to the Borough Council a reply was received that further work at the crossing had been carried out, and the position was satisfactory. To similar representations made to the Railways Department pointing out the danger of the crossing, a reply was received that the crossing was listed for the installation of electric alarms, but it would be some time before these could be installed. Mr A. T. P. Hubbard (Masterton) stated that the position was still very unsatisfactory, and he considered that the Association should express strong disapproval of the attitude of the Masterton Borough Council. The council had consistently maintained that the crossing was quite safe, and at the same time had taken action which was tantamount to recognising that the crossing was far from being safe. He thought it would be a good idea to recommend to the Main Highways Board that the control of all roads be taken over irrespective of population. Mr Taverner pointed out that the Board had jurisdiction over main and subsidiary highways only, and it would not desire to be involved with Borough streets. He did not think the recommendation would find favour with the Board. He therefore moved that the Association write to the Railways Department saying that it was pleased to note that bells were to be installed at the crossing, which had always been considered dangerous, and urging that the work be proceeded with immediately. This course was agreed to.