MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 189, 12 May 1928, Page 8

MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSES

RECENT MAGISTERIAL DECISION “A GILBERTIAN SITUATION” Dominion Special Service. Dunedin, May 11. . - If the recent decision of a Magistrate at Hamilton is to be taken literaly a truly Gilbertian situation has arisen in regard to the issue and expiry of motor drivers’ licenses, and a Dunedin solicitor well versed in motor legislation stated to-day that even yet the position did not seem clear, and that motorists hardly know “where they are.” The Magistrate in his decision said that it was a curious omission of the latest Act that the date of expiry of the licenses was not stated and therefore the licenses would continue indefinitely or until the Statute was amended under a section of the principal Act. A local solicitor pointed out that motor drivers’ licenses “shall take effect until the March 31 succeeding the date of issue and shall be operative throughout New Zealand.” These words were repealed by an Act which came into force last December in which it was stated that “Motor drivers’ licenses shall take effect after March 31, 1928, and on or before May 31, and shall continue in force until May 31, 1929, then expiring.” The omission seems to be due to an oversight on the part of the draughtsman. The majority of motorists have renewed their licenses, though it is understood that one or two inspections have been made locally lately, a number being found whose licenses were not renewed. If they still have their last year’s licenses the effect of the recent magisterial decision should give them some cause to heave a sigh of relief, though of course it is possible an appeal may be lodged against it. for it was not the intention of the Act that it should be operated in so literal a manner. Actually the words relating to the term of licenses were repealed at a time when most licenses were already in force.