FREE LEGAL SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 27, 1 February 1930, Page 14

FREE LEGAL SERVICE.

PROTECTION FOR MOTORISTS opinions at hawera. TWO SIDES TO QUESTION. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAWERA, this day. Free legal service for members of the South Taranaki Automobile Association involved in motor accidents and subsequently charged with breaches of motor regulations was discussed at a meeting of the executive last night. It was estimated that euch service would cost the association about £50 a year and many members were in favour of its adoption, it being stated that the cost to the Auckland Association, with 12,000 members, did not exceed £120 yearly. Air. E. P. Cox urged further consideration. He foresaw numerous difficulties and the possible abuse of the scheme. It would be necessary that a defining line be drawn between the classes of eases to be defended. The schernc had many good points, said Mr. S. A. Ward, but should be applied only to by-law cases as it would be impossible for the association to defend criminal cases. "If we adopt this scheme," a member said, "some motorists will probably seize the opportunity of breaking bylaws." "Should we encourage the class of motorist who dashes about the roads at 40 or 50 miles per hour?" asked Mr. Cox. He could not see that that would be any assistance to careful drivers. He had been driving for 20 years, had never been charged in the courts and did not feel inclined to pay for the offences of other members. The executive decided that further information should be secured for the I next meeting.