LAW ON DRUNKEN DRIVERS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28823, 18 February 1959, Page 12

LAW ON DRUNKEN DRIVERS

Canterbury Proposal Supported (New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON N„ Feb. 17. Legislation on drunken drivers who go to their ears to sleep off the effects of liquor needs revision. according to the council of the Automobile Association (Palmerston North). The council tonight decided to support a remit from the Automobile Association (Canterbury) suggesting that the law be changed to prevent prosecution in such circumstances, but added a proviso that the driver, must earlier haVe surrendered the car keys. Lively discussion centred; on the effects of alcohol drivers, and Mr T. M. N. Rodgers, a solicitor member of the council, said it was unfair that a man sleeping off drunkenness should be prosecuted.

He also criticised present medical tests for. suspect drivers, saying: “I have been present in a police station when a doctor has asked a man, ’How do you feel,’ and after getting the reply, ‘Not too blinkin’ good’ certifying the man unfit to drive without any test at all.” He also said there were numerous times when doctors disagreed about a driver’s condition. Mr W. H. Barling said that drivers were hustled out of hotels at 6 o’clock “because the publican is scared of a possible raid,” and many often had nowhere to go but to their cars to sober up.

America's oldest copper mine, near South Stratford, Vermont, was closed down after operating since 1793.

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