ACCURACY FIRST.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18802, 21 September 1926, Page 8

ACCURACY FIRST.

MAGISTRATE GIVES ADVICE

TRAFFIC INSPECTORS'

EVIDENCE

During the hearing of charges laid by the new City Traffic Inspectors under tho motor by-laws yesterday, Mr Tracy contended thai the evidence of one of the inspectors was not to he relied upon. "He comes hove and says my client drove over an intersection at 25 miles an hour," said Mr Tracy, "and that, there was no other traffic about. In his report, which was s-hown to the defendant, the inspector stated that the offeneo occurred when there was cross-traffic at the- intersection, and my client came here to answer such a charge. The. inspector has undoubtedly altered his evidence, and his story to-day doesn't substantiate his previous report at all." At tho conclusion of the sitting of the Court, the Magistrate (Mr 11. A. Young} addressed a few words to Chief Inspector Macintosh. ''You'll have to instruct your inspectors." said his Worship, "about recording circumstances correctly at the time an offence is committed. Thero liave been one or two cases where the inspectors hare admitted their notes made on the spot were not accurate. You must tell them the trouble that it will cause if they are not careful to take down facts correctly at the time. The trouble may have been just due to slovenly notes, but your inspectors must remember they have to rely on their original notes' in Court, and a solicitor can cross-examine them on the notes made at the time." ! "Thank you, sir, I shall instruct the inspectors," replied the Chief Inspector.

"Of course it will take a little time for them to get everything running smoothly," added his Worship.