STATEMENTS BY MOTORISTS

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24269, 29 May 1944, Page 3

STATEMENTS BY MOTORISTS

TRAFFIC OFFENCES QUESTION OF AVAILABILITY TO, COURTS The present arrangement in regard to letters of explanation forwarded to the Transport Department by motorists concerning traffic offences is that they are not handed to a stipendiary magistrate unless the writer specially requests that that should be done. "This practice . followed representations trom the, union when the department took over traffic control, the reason - being to encourage motorists to state quite frankly their case to the department, with the knowledge that their . representations would not be used against them in the event of prosecution.” stated the Commissioner of Transport (Mr G. L. Laurenson) in a letter which was read at last w’eek’s meeting of the South Island Motor Union m Christchurch. The commissioner pointed out, however, that some magistrates had requested from time to time that the letters of- explanation should be show;n to them. Mr H. P. Lawry. S.M., in particular, he said, had expressed his views very strongly on occasion that the letters should be handed in. In fact, he had indicated to one prosecuting inspector that unless, that were done in future it might be necessary for him to ensure their production by subpoena.; In View Of. that declaration, the Minister of Transport (the lion. J. O’Brien) had directed the commissioner to obtain the Views of'the Union, “If this is,agreed to, it will certainly undermine the present arrangement.” commented the chairman (Mr W. R. Carey). ‘‘lf this were done we would have to advise our members to refrain trom making statements and we could not encourage that frankness which has hitherto existed." The union decided to inform the commissioner that it was against the proposal. . The North Island union will also be advised of the decision.