A MOTORIST'S COMPLAINT.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15017, 11 July 1914, Page 14

A MOTORIST'S COMPLAINT.

"I'm not an anti-mihtarist, but I vo got a conscience. The City Council has no conscience. I'm a member of _» County Council, and I'm try»"S to Set my Council to register the cars in -ts own district. This city corporation annexes all the foes." - —The foregoing was a spirited statement made by Reginald C. Dixon, charged in the Magistrate's Court yesterday with driving- an unregistered vehicle, without a driver's license, and without a tail light. The motor inspector said that defendant had "El" on his car. Defendant: That is for Eyre county. . The Inspector: But "E" is for El-j tham. ! j Defendant: That was through ignorance. The Magistrate (Mr T. A. B. Bailey, S.M.): But Eyre County Ls not a registering district. The Inspector: Tho number "El" belongs to somebody else. It was on the car of the late" Dr. Harrisou, and now belongs to a land agent. Defendant: It wasn't until I told him, that he knew it wasn't/ a registered number. The Insofcctor: I deny that. The Magistrate: What about the drivers certificate? Defendant: Why should a city corporation penalise us in the country all the time. I've- been. driving a car six years before Mr-Mcintosh came into existence as inspector. That is not a defence. I know. The Magistrate: And the tail light? Defendant: The back of tho side lamp give a goodnight. The Magistrate: But one of the objects of a tail lamp is to throw a light on the number. Defendant: I've had three tail lights stolen. The Inspector: In Christchurch? __ Defendant: One at -least' was in Christchurch.

Later, defendant explained that if t&eso fees went to tho Gorernment, to bo distributed evenly amongst tho rarir ous districts, thero would bo no objections. Defendant was fined Ids and costs for driving an unregistered vehiclo, 6s and costs for having no tail light, and was convicted on the other charge. Defendant: Your Worship, need I register in Cliristchnrch? Tho Magistrate: If yon're brought before mc again for driving an unregistered motor you will ho fined.