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“Kids In Danger Says Mother”

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Description: This image was published in the May 21st, 1978, edition of the Tribune weekly newspaper with the caption ”These people are worried about the danger spot - and they want this sign shifted, plus the one in the background. Since the "Tribune" enquiry, the signs have been replaced with new ones-but not shifted. Here, Peter Marsden, his son Timothy (three) and Mrs Barnett watch for traffic while five-year-old James Marsden comes home

An excerpt from the article read: “Two children killed, another badly injured, regular car accidents, and plenty of near misses.

Two years ago the people of Bunnythorpe tried to get two traffic signs shifted in Railway Road, on the Palmerston North approach to the township. They’re still trying. All they want is to get the signs shifted about 200 metres further from the township taking the signs around bend. At present, car and truck drivers negotiate the hilly bend at speed, and are into the danger area before they see the signs. Few slow down. And there's a concealed intersection there as well. They all add up to what people in the area regard as a fatal combination. The trouble is, it appears to be ‘no … land’ because the residents’ complaints always seem to be passed on to another department, says one of the mothers concerned for the children's safety, Colleen Barnett. The Palmerston North Ministry of Transport referred the matter to the Feilding MOT. The Feilding traffic officers referred them on to the Kairanga County Council. The council discussed it, but the residents are still not happy. Although it's only a few minutes walk for her children to get to school, she takes them in her car because it's safer.”

This image forms part of the Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection. Unfortunately, only negatives between April and December 1978 are held.