"TWO DRINKS."

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18802, 21 September 1926, Page 5

"TWO DRINKS."

1 COLLISION _WITH TRAM. TAXI-DRIVER'S LITTLE LAPSE. (rnr.sS association- telsgram.) AUCKLAND, September 20. Described by his counsel as cueo the best-known tasi-drivcrs m auc land, James White, aged *, v*° ' ' jovs tho sobriquet or "<.°W \\ a l b Jimmic," was lined iO and Mr Hunt, ti.M., at tho Po '<*>° U U n tlm morning on a charge ot be L. » la state of intoxication wh.lo m i haXpC of a motor-car in llomnera l ' oa ' l . 1 .Saturday night. Mr MeUver append for White, who pleaded gui «■> ■ , Sub-Inspector Lcwin said that a«« ■fivo minutes to 8 on .Saturday >J' White's taxi collided with a station*!.tram at the Remuera terminus, i* jwas at onco soon that amused was under tho influence of liquor. «- •caino into town on tho tratnear, ana I was handed over to the police by tno tramway inspector. Mr MeLiver staled that White was a respectable, man and one of the best-known taxi-drivers in Auckland. White was a man who did not drink, but on .Saturday evening he drove two men out to Kemiiera, and on arrival at their house no accepted an invitation to enjoy a drinK- • Tho night was cold, and "White only. I had two drinks. These two drinks evidently had their effect on the I accused, for when he got to the Re- \ muera tram terminus he collided with ' a tram, which was in darkness. The trollev pole was being swung round at tho time. Counsel added tllat it was difficult for White to sec the car when it was in darkness, and also when it • was raining hard at that particular moment. At 11.30 p.m. Dr. Horton examined accused, who was then perfectly sober. White was on his way home at the time of the collision. Mr Twohill, licensee of the Clarendon Hotel, called by Mr McLivcr, stated that he had known White for many years. He was a good driver and a highly-respectable ci tizen. Mr Hunt (with a smile): Is he a good customer of yours?—No, I have often asked him to havo a drink, but always he would say "Later on." But ho would never havo one. In fact he is generally known as "Cold Water Jimmie." (Laughter.) Captain Davies, of tho Salvation Army, also described White as a careful driver and a man of sober habits. It was a great surprise to witness when he heard of a chargo against White.

"I suppose there arc degrees in everything," s/aid Mr Hunt. "The tramcar was not lighted at the time, and tho night was wet and miserable. He will bo fined £lO and costs. I will not interfere with his license, as driving a car is his means of livelihood."