DRINK OR MOTOR-CAR?

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1927, Page 10

DRINK OR MOTOR-CAR?

ONE MUST BE GIVEN UP

MAGISTRATE SPEAKS GUT

"There is only one thing to do with a man who gets drunk while in charge of a motor-car—make him give up either drink or the car," said Mr. J?. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court, to-day, when he fined Maxwell Menzies Frost £25 for being intoxicated when driving a motor-car on the Ngahauranga Gorge road.

The Magistrate also cancelled Frost's license for six months, but said that if the defendant took out a prohibition order against himself he could make application to have it' re-issued.

Mr. C. W. Tanner, who appeared for .Frost, said that his client did not wish to put the prosecution to any expense, and he would therefore plead guilty. He had collided with a tractor on the road, and his- car had been badly damaged. Frost did not consider he was incapable of driving, but admitted that he had had twelve brandies and port wine within two and a-half hours.

The Magistrate: "What is he?"

Mr; Tanner: "He is engaged in the motor trade." Counsel added that the defendant was the only one who had suffered as a result of the collision.

The Magistrate: "He might have met me' on the Ngahauranga Gorge road. Fined £25 and license cancelled if he doesn't take out a prohibition order."

Mr. Tanner your Worship ?"

"Isn't that rather severe,

"Severe? The Act renders him liable to a fine of £100, or three months' imprisonment;" replied Mr. Hunt. "It seems almo t a pity that' he pleaded guilty," continued Mr Tanner.

Mr. .-lunt: "If he had gone into the box and perhaps told a lot of lies, he would have been fined twice as much."

"But, Sir," persisted Mr. Tanner

Mr. Hunt: "That will do. It is only because of his youth and good character that he got off so lightly. Up North he would have been fined £50, and had his license suspended for twelve months." Mr. Tanner: VMay I ask for time to pay?"

Mr. Hunt: "Certainly. What time do you want?

Mr. Tanner: "Three months?" Frost was allowed fourteen days in which to iind the money.