"NO APOLOGY."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 156, 3 July 1937, Page 10

"NO APOLOGY."

MINISTER'S REPLY.

INTOXICATED MOTORISTS.

JUSTICES' PENALTIES.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLIXGTOK, this day. The question of making it necessary for magistrates to hear all cases involving drunken motorists is to be considered by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, who to-day made a reply to a resolution passed by Canterbury justices of the peace expressing resentment at his criticism of the lenient treatment extended to intoxicated motorists by some of the peace. '"In criticising the action of justices of the peace at Blenheim," said-the Minister. "I had in mind several recent cases outstanding. Amongtthese hare been cases at llasterton and Invercargill which have been fully reported in the Press. At Mastcrton the Bench

comprised two justices of the peace, who imposed a line of £2 and took no action in respect of the offenders license. At Invercajgill, some months ago. there w-«s al-o a case where lenient punishment meted out l>y justices of the pca<-e attracted public attention.

'"I want to make it clear that I had no intention of casting any rellection on justices of the peace generally, a® thev are an essential and important part of our judicial system. I have been ontrn-tcd l>v the people of New Zealand willi the duty of making the roade Sale. Ihe plain fact is that drunkenness amoll motor drivers its increosinp. ami I am continually receiving representation- to take steps in the interests of human safety to prevent it. This ig .1 decided contrast to other classes of nto'.orinp offences, all ol which are 011 the decline. It has l>een pointed out to me time and time airain that there arc some ju-tico. who do not appreciate the seriousness of tlie position and I reiterate the statement 1 made in Christcliurch that the decisions in some case*: had lieen appalling. 1 propose to discuss the matter with the Minister of Justice, a--1 consider it may Ik- necessary to make arrangements that all cases of drunken motorists shall come before a magistrate."

Mr. So hi pie added that ho had no apology to make and 110 rcprets to express Jo tin- justices who resented liis attack nil what he believed to he a mi--ca of justice. "I look at tlr<|iiestion from the (Miint of view of savin- human life." he added, "and 1 am determined to put an end to the drunken driver who turns hi- ear into an infern l machine and himself into a potent i.il murderer."