TWO ALTERNATIVES.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18918, 5 February 1927, Page 6

TWO ALTERNATIVES.

"GIVE UP DRINK OR THE CAR."

I "HE FBESS BpecW 8;t71c9.]

WELLINGTON, February 4.

"Thtre is only one thing to do with :i man who gets drunk while in charge of a motorcar—make him give up either drink or th*' car," said Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M. in tho Magistrate's Court todav, when he fined Maxwell Menzies Frost £25, for being intoxicated when diiving a motor-car on the Ngahauranga Gorge road. The Magistrate also cancelled Frost'e license for sir month?, but said that if the defendant took out a prohibition order against himself he could make application to have it reissued.

Mr C. W. Tanner, who appeared for Frost, said that his client did not wish to put * ne prosecution to any expense, and he would therefore plead guilty. He had collided with a tractor on the road and his car had been badly damaged. Frost did not consider he was incapable of driving, but admitted that he had had tweive brandies and port wine within two and a half hours.

The Magistrate: What is he? Mr Tanner: He is engaged in the motor trade. Counsel added that the defendant was the only one who had suffered as u result of the collision. Thp Magistrate: He might have met me on (lie Ngahauranga Gorge road. Fined £25, and license cancelled if he doesn't take out a prohibition order. Mr Tanner: Isn't that rather severe your Worship? "Severe! The Act renders him liable to a fine of £IOO or three months' imprisonment," replied Mr Hunt. "It seems almost a pity '.:■ he pleaded guiltv," continued Mr 'l -uer. Mr Hunt: If he had gone into the box and perhaps told a lot of lies he would have been fined twice as much. "But sir," persisted Mr TannerMr Hunt: That will do. It is only because of his youth and good character that he got off so lightly. he would have been fined £SO and had his license suspended for twelve ™Mr Tanner: May I ask for time to Hunt: Certainly, what time do you want? Mr Tanner: Three months. Frost was allowed fourteen days in which to find the money.