DRUNK IN CAR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 171, 3 May 1937, Page 5

DRUNK IN CAR

RUSSIAN BALLET DANCER.

IN ACCIDENT AT DUNEDIN.

COMPANION ALSO INTOXICATED

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, This Day

Thadee Slavensky, a member of the Monte Carlo Russian ballet, appeared in the Police Court this morning jointly charged, in company with Maurice Kendrick Whale, of Lyttelton, with having been intoxicated while in charge of a car.

The police stated that when the-Rus-sian was arrested at 6 p.m. yesterday JiQ was absolutely drunk. The other accused had come from the north, meeting the Russian at an hotel. Whale hired the car and took his new friend for a drive. It was outside the Caledonian Hotel that they crashed into o pole, both being injured, requiring attention at the hospital. '. The Russian was driving when the accident occurred, hut Whale’s action showed that lie was also drunk, since he asked his companion to take charge of the highpowered car ; which was badly smashed. Counsel pointed out that it was a disastrous drive for the Russian. His company left this morning to catch the vessel for Australia, and Slavensky would have to fly to Wellington to catch the boat. Moreover, he had received injuries to his chest which would affect his work.

The Magistrate (Mr W. H. Bundle), taking into consideration the fact that the Russian was leaving New Zealand, fined him £3. Whale was fined £lO and expenses, while his license was suspended for six months.