LICENSES CANCELLED

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 135, 4 March 1929, Page 12

LICENSES CANCELLED

INTOXICATION IN CHARGE OF CARS TWO CASES AT AUCKLAND By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, March 2. Two men who were charged in the Magistrate’s Court with being'intoxicated while in charge of motor-cars were each fined £2O and their licenses were cancelled. In the case of Albert Stark, aged 38, a jobbing carpenter, the police said he was sitting in a stationary car with another man and was intoxicated. It appeared as though he was ready to drive away, when a constable, who had been sent for, arrived. In the other case, that of John Miller, aged 47, Constable Doel said he was standing in Manukau Road at 8.45 last-evening, when he saw a car driven by Miller proceeding towards Onehunga without a single light showing. He signalled Miller to stop, but accused continued on in his car. Witness then boarded a passing motor-car and pursued Miller’s car, a distance of two car-stops away. Miller’s car was forced to stop when the car in which witness was driven forced him towards 'the kerb. Miller’s speed was quite moderate, about 15 miles per hour.yand there was nothing in the way he. drove to suggest he was under the influence of liquor. Witness asked Miller for his name -and address, but he was in a muddled condition and could not give it properly. After asking accused for his license witness requested Miller to step -out of his ear. He could then detect a strong smell of liquor on. Miller, who staggered when he commenced to walk. After being arrested, Miller asked for a doctor and Dr. Tewsley was summoned. , Dr. TeWsley examined accused 55 minutes later at the Central Police Station. Witness was positive Miller was intoxicated. In evidence Miller said he had four doctors examine him. The Magistrate: Yes, but three of them examined you about midnight. “It’s wrong to suggest I was drunk,” said Miller. “I had no drink after 4.30 p.m. yesterday, and I work in a brewery.” Counsel then said accused always spoke with a “gurgling sound,” while he walked peculiarly as a result of having once suffered with rheumatic fever. Being a nervous man and becoming excited when stopped by a policeman might have caused him to be mistaken for an intoxicated person. He had intended to return and see what the constable wanted him for, and was about to do so when arrested. '