"VERY FORTUNATE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 206, 1 September 1936, Page 8

"VERY FORTUNATE."

HIT AND RUM MOTORIST.

OTAHUHU PROSECUTION. In the Police Court at Otahuhu yesterday before Mr. Hunt, S.M., George Alfred Whitehead, a hotel porter, was charged with negligent driving, with, failing to report an accident and with failing to stop. Sergeant Caliill stated that Kenneth Williams, a stockman, employed at Southdown, was riding liis bicycle along the Great South Road about S) p.m. on the evening of July 31, when he was overtaken by a car driven by defendant which knocked him down. Williams was seriously injured and wandered around in a daze until 11 p.m., when he wandered into the Westfleld freezing works, from whence he was taken to the hospital, where lie reiWaitied for some time. A headlamp of the car was found lying near the cycle and as a result of police inquiries Whitehead admitted the

offence. Whitehead, who pleaded guilty to all charges, stated that he was driving to Auckland from Ro.torua and at the time of the accident he was dazzled by the lights of an approaching car. He felt a bump but did not see anything. He continued for a short way and then returned to look for his lamp, but failed to find it and then he returned to Rotorua.

"You are very fortunate you are not charged under the new Act," said Mr. Hunt. "The new Act makes the offence of failing to stop an indictable one liable to a fine of £500. y

On the first charge Whitehead was fined £2, plus costs 10/, and, had his license cancelled for twelve months. On the second charge he was fined £2, plus 10/ costs, and on the third charge £10, plus 10/ costs, in default one month's imprisonment.