INTOXICATED DRIVERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 52, 2 March 1929, Page 11

INTOXICATED DRIVERS.

TWO ARRESTED YESTERDAY. BOTH FINED €20. magistrate i axlels lilk.vsls. Because they l.iccanic too frienillv with Bacchus yesterday, two motor fitivers were arrested. Both-appeared at the Police Court this morning, when they were each iined £20, the magistrate, Mr. \Y. It. McKcan, S.M., cancelling their licenses. Albert Stark (-iSj. a joliliing carpenter, represented by Mr. \Y. Schramm, was the first to be charged with being 111 a state of intoxication while in charge of his car in Jvhyber Pass about (i.l! 0 p.m. He pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector McCarthy said the police were informed that a drunken man was in a motor car, and a constable pioceeded to Kliyber Pass. There he saw two men sitting in a motor car. Stark was at the wheel, and he admitted lie was the driver of the car. Stark was intoxicated. The car was stationary, but it appeared as though he was ready to drive away. Stark had never been m any trouble previously. Mi. Schramm admitted that accused had been into a hotel with a friend, and that he had taken some liquor. Stark was not given to drink, and the little he had .evidently took effect upon him. Stark used his car in connection with his business, and counsel asked the magistrate to impose a light line, and suggested that his license should not L.e cancelled. I hope he is not absolutely dependent upon his car," said Mr. McKean. "The other day J did not cancel a man's license because it was his only means of livelihood, but J afterwards found that I should have done so, as he came up again 011 a similar charge of intoxication. In this case I see 110 reason to depart from previous cases. Stark will be lined £20, and his licence is cancelled." The default was fixed at one month's imprisonment. Oue week was allowed in which to pay the line.

Driver Fails to Stop. The other case concerned John Miller, aged 47, for whom JNlr. Milliken apappeared. Miller pleaded not guilty. Constable l)oel, of lijjsom, said he was standing in Manukau Koad at !>.45 last evening when he saw a car driven by Miller proceeding towards Onehunga without a single light showing. He signalled -Miller to stop, but accused continued on in his car. Witness then boarded a passing motor car and pursued Miller's car a distance of two car stops away. Miller's car was forced to stop when the car in which witness was driven forced him towards the kerb. Miller's speed was quite moderate, abput 15 miles per hour, and there was nothing in the way ke drove to suggest that he was under the influence of liquor. Witness asked Miller for his name and address, but he was in a muddled condition, and could not give it properly. After asking accused for his license, witness requested Miller to step out of his ear. He could then detect a strong smell "t l.tjuor on Miller, who staggered when lie commenced to walk. After being arrested, Miller asked for a doctor, and Dr. Tewslev was summoned. Dr. Tewsley examined accused o."> minutes later at the Central police station. Witness was positive that Miller was intoxicated. In evidence. Miller told the magistrate he had four doctors examine him. Mr. McKcan: Yes, but three of them examined you about midnight. "It's wrong to suggest 1 was drunk," said Miller. "I had no drink after 4.30 p.m. yesterday, and I work in a brewery." (Laughter.) Counsel then said that accused always spoke with a "gurgling sound," while he walked peculiarly as the result of Having once suffered with rheumatic fever. Being a nervous man, and becoming excited when stopped by the policeman, might have caused him to be mistaken for an intoxicated person. He had intended to return and see what the constable wanted him for, and ira« about to do so when he was arrested. Miller was fined £20, and his license was cancelled.