“SAFETY FIRST”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 March 1939, Page 4

“SAFETY FIRST”

RULES AND BEHAVIOUR ON ROAD TALK TO SCHOOL CHILDREN. Yesterday afternoon the children of Standards 4, 5 and 6 in one group and the children of Standards 1,2 and 3 in another group listened to a very interesting talk and saw a very well thought-out film dealing with “safety first” rules and behaviour on the road. The instruction' was given in the Masonic Hall by Mr Stringer, an officer of the Traffic Department detailed to give instruction to schools.

In introducing Mr Stringer the Headmaster (Mr E. G. Coddington) impressed on the children the immense value of this instruction. “You are too valuable to be killed or badly maimed,” he said. “We have too few of you to spare any in that way. We want you all to grow to be strong, healthy men and women because the country needs you.” Mr Stringer emphasised that the children need not be afraid of the road. All they had to do to be quite safe was to obey a few sensible rules which the picture illustrated. If they would do that they need have no fear, for nearly all motorists were anxious to avoid accidents. “They only want to know what you are going to do,” he said.

“I cannot understand why you have no pedestrian crossings in Masterton,'’ said Mr Stringer. This remark was followed by a deep silence. Of the value of the instruction there can be no doubt at all. The children were very impressed and very appreciative. Spontaneous applause concluded each lecture.