"SCANBALOUS."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 67, 21 March 1938, Page 8

"SCANBALOUS."

SUSTENANCE MEN. OWNERSHIP OF CARS. MAGISTRATE HITS OUT. j MAN ADMITS INTOXICATION. 'It's v scandalous that these men on sustenance should run motor cars," said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police j Court to-day, when lie was informed that William George Rossiter, aged 48, who had admitted being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor car in Parnell Road on Saturday, had, in addition to a family of nine children, a motor car. Sub-Inspector Fox said that about 5.30 p.m. on Saturday Sergeant Miller and Constable Gallaher, of Parnell, received information that Rossiter was intoxicated and that he intended to drive away in his car. A few minutes later they saw Roesiter outside a hotel in Parnell, and warned him not to drive his car. A few minutes later the police saw a car which looked like that owned by Rossiter l>eing driven away in the direction of Newmarket at a fast speed. The sergeant and constable boarded a tram and went to Newmarket, but were unable to find accused. Later they accosted him, when he admitted driving his car to Newmarket and back. He was under the influence of liquor, and when examined later by a doctor he was certified as being intoxicated to a moderate extent, but rendering him incapable of driving hia car. "Although he has previous convictions for this type of offence, Rossiter has twice previously been cautioned by the police," added Mr. Fox. "He is on sustenance, has a large family, and is regarded as unsafe and dangerous on the road, as he is given to liquor." "On sustenance and he owns a motor car!" exclaimed Mr. Hunt. Mr. F. W. Schramm, who represented accused, said the car was an old model which had been bought by Koasitcr for £12 10/. "But it costs him a good deal to keep it going," said Mr. Hunt. Car to be Sold. Counsel said Roesiter had a family of nine, five of his children being under 16. Any fine imposed would fall heavily on his wife and children, Mr. Schramm said in asking for leniency for Rossiter. Rossiter had been working on a City ' Council relief scheme earning £4 7/ a week, and recently he had been ill. He had also been in custody since Saturday. "What am I to do with him?" asked the magistrate. "I don't suppose he has any money to pay a fine." j Mr. Schramm replied that Rossiter could sell his car as he would not want it any more. Rossiter was fined £10, and his license was cancelled, the magistrate ordering that no other is to be issued to him for two years. "In consideration of the light fine imposed for this sort of offence I'm going to prohibit him too," Mr. Hunt said. "He can take out an order before he leaves the Court. He will have fourteen days to pay. He can sell the car within that time." Referring to Rossister's ownership of the car while on sustenance, the magistrate remarked: "It's scandalous thai these men on sustenance should run a motor car. Why, it will cost him as much to run as he earns."