FIRE-ENGINE DRIVER DRUNK

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 11, 7 October 1927, Page 10

FIRE-ENGINE DRIVER DRUNK

4 _ ' SUBSTANTIAL FINE j IMPOSED Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, October 6. “It is usual in these cases to cancel the driving license. I shall not do it in this case, but will have to make the fine substantial,” said Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., in fining Edward James Bond £2O in the Magistrate’s Court to-day for fieing in charge of a motor-car while in a state of intoxication in Lichfield Street yesterday. Mr. Burns, who appeared for defendant, said that bis client was a single man, and a driver of the fire engine, which fact bore out his contention that he very seldom touched liquor. Defendant had been affected by the few drinks he had taken. Counsel asked that his license be not cancelled, as it was his livelihood. Sub-Inspector Mathew said that three traffic inspectors and other witnesses had noticed the strange behaviour of the car, which a constable had followed The car ran on to the footpath, and defendant had to support himself by means of the car while lie talked with the constable. . The Magistrate: As a driver for the Fire Board, this man is a seni-pubhc official. I will have to make the fine substantial, and defendant will be asked to take out a prohibition order. Default of payment is fixed at a month a imprisonment, with hard labour. He can have fourteen days in winch to pay.