MILES OF CARS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20258, 29 July 1937, Page 10

MILES OF CARS

JOURNEY HOME FROM PARK

LONG, SLOW-MOVING STREAM. UNPRECEDENTED TRAFFIC. Almost two hours after the con* elusion of ttie big football match at Rugby Park yesterday motor traffic was still streanvne through Victoria Street in long straggling ribhors. The main stream was at times over two miles long without a break and cars endeavouring to join in the homeward l ! ne had little opportunity. With such a ribbon, with tags joining at every intersection, ttie scene was unprecedented in ttie history of Hamilton as vehicle after vehicle crawled on In a line seemingly without ending. Through all this traffic inspectors performed admirable service and a tribute is due to the manner in which they handled Ihe traffic with Ihe absence of serious jamm'ng. It took an hour to get from the park to town. With the special parking area packed. hundreds more cars parked at Roves Park and with the overflow on every conceivable by-street the scene was a remarkable one. Polished limou- % sines and ancient models took their turn to get home. Walking Was Faster. The thousands of patrons who preferred lo walk back to town found the journey far quicker for taxis and buses had no prior right In the line of vehicles travelling like snails. Lake Road and Fairfield Bridge took a tremendous pack away from the main street but still there was congestion. Drivers who endeavoured to sneak In soon found their antics did not pay for they were sent back by busy traffio officers. Some were even forced to reverse to where they had come from out of the line. Even then the stream in the northern end of the town was two-deep on the course bound south. Restaurants in town were stormed last night and busy waitresses found their rush-hour capacities tested as never before. Hamilton has seen many crowds especially after race days but never one to reach the volume seen last night. At the park the scene was Just as unusual for the moment the referee raised his hand to conclude the game there was a rush for the gates and packed like sardines, the crowd pressed for an exit. Up to the ankles in mud was just part of the fun of the day and happy at the excellent showing of the home team, the spectators had no hard thoughts for others in the push. Paper, boxes and other litter were strewn all over the area which seconds before had been covered with people. A fow there were who found the day too trying and the St. John Ambulance Brigade did valuable work in rendering first aid. Excitement at the Park. ~ - There was plenty of excitement at Hie park all day. Prior to the match occasionally one of the crowd attempted to cross the slippery field. They soon found it a precarious adventure which provoked the mirth of the onlookers. Around the sloping banks several patrons slipped to the ground. Every conceivable vantage point was utilised by the eager crowd. Dozens strained the branches of a lofty tree on Seddon Road while the hedge afforded shelter for others. One enterprising batch found accommodation on a stark of baled hay on a property adtoinlng the eas* side of the park. Umbrellas and golf shades were in evidence sheltering the ever rippling heads nf the gathering

To add to their height and range ol vision, hundreds nf people stood or boxes of all sizes and shapes brought to the ground for the purpose. Others sat on pfeees of board, while copies of the Waikato Times were at a premium. To provide a dry seat on the open stand one enterprising couple had made a cushion composed of rugs wrapped in towels which were tn turn wrapped in thick brown paper.