Thursday, 16 October 2014

Poem ~ Danger of Dark Streets - Friday, 16 October 1914



Attention has been drawn by Commissioner
Of Metropolitan Police, of facts of dangers
From vehicular traffic, increased by the
Decreased street lighting - to minimise all
Risk, all drivers are to be warned, that under
No circumstances are they to drive at unsafe
Speed, and have regard to circumstances of
Volume of traffic, pedestrian and vehicular.

Sir Edward Henry comments, that to protect
London people, by banning lit streets at night
From possible raids, forms a new danger.
As in report of peoples injured on darkened
Streets – A case in point is the former MP,
Mr Alexander Wylie for Dumbartonshire, who
Was knocked down by a motor-omnibus,
On Tuesday night, crossing Parliament street.

Believing the street quite clear, Mr Wylie took
A step from the pavement, and in short steps
Was hit, to be hurled some yards - but without
Serious injury - he had treatment at Hospital
Of Westminster, after which he went to his club,
Over in Whitehall-gardens, to make a statement.

The ex-MP Mr Whitely stated, in view of increase
Similar accidents, believes that all such speeds
Of motor vehicles, should now be reduced - due
To the absence of street lights - the authorities
Need to take action on cars for public protection.
Comes the common sense comment that even
Without authorities imposition, risks of accidents
Will be minimised if both pedestrians and drivers
Now make adaptations to current war situations.

Drivers of the motor vehicles should know that
By driving over a moderate pace there is a raised
Chance of killing pedestrians, such as old people.
Should not be forgotten that those on foot should
Keep in mind; if it is dark for them it is also dark
For drivers – additionally, cyclists are noted
As needing attention - their conduct in the city
Late at night, particularly boys riding without lights, 
Are dangers to those people needing to cross roads.

Also theatres have been affected by lack of lights
In the city's streets - Their audiences are deterred
In going to such establishments of entertainment.
Now two West End theatres have taken action,
To meet the changes - giving afternoon matinees,
Restricting to weekends any evening performances.

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1914. London Lighting – Darkened Streets – Caution to Drivers. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 16 Oct. p.11. Col.2. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11165436/Daily-Telegraph-October-16-1914.html [Accessed: 16 October 2014].

Mann, J., 2014. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 15 August 2014). 



#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #ww1centenary #worldwarone #worldwaroneremembered 

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