WEEK-ENDS IN GAOL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 December 1938, Page 6

WEEK-ENDS IN GAOL

NOT APPROVED BY MOTOR UNION FEARS OF OVERCROWDING. TRAFFIC RULES DISCUSSED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, December 5. “This is perhaps a spectacular way of approaching the question,” declared Mr R. P. Furness, Marlborough, at the quarterly meeting of the South Island Motor Union today when referring to Mr Semple’s proposal to impose weekend terms of gaol for drunken drivers. “Drunken drivers will have to pay the full penalty if safety first is to be rammed home,” he added. “The proposal seems a bit of a retreat on the part of the Minister. If it is introduced the gaols will not be sufficiently large to accommodate all wishing to partake of the State’s hospitality at the weekends.” The North Island Motor Union’s decision to oppose any alteration in the penalties for motorists was unanimously affirmed. Widely divergent views on the necessity of road signs for side roads approaching main highways was expressed by the delegates, who rejected a proposal to submit road signs to the Transport Department for approval. “Major Roads Ahead” signs and the erection of x symbol signs on highways approaching intersections were approved. A proposal that all bicycles have red rear lights was defeated by eight votes to seven. . After a long discussion the meeting decided that, the proposal to use L signs for learners was not at present necessary. A remit favouring the compulsory use of safety glass in all windows of cars was carried.

It was decided to ask the Government to erect hutments at scenic resorts for the use of those unable to pay hotel expenses.