MOTORING CASES

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 30, 5 February 1935, Page 7

MOTORING CASES

\ TAKING OF EVIDENCE i TRAVELLING EXPENSES j rTwo cases described as glaring injustices of the law as it now stands wera reported to- the Automobile Association" (Wellington), Incorporated,': in a letter received from, the secretary of the North' Island Motor Union last evening. Because of such cases ;the union-is asking for an amendment to the Motor: Vehicles Act to permit "evidence to be taken on commission in toylaw- cases. : . '■ -" "The first case is that of ■■ ' ".; a motorist in Auckland, who was prosecuted for a motor offence at Mataura (Southland) and convicted and fined," the letter stated, "notwithstanding that he had previously sent a declaration to the Clerk of the Court that he had never driven a car in the South Island in his life, and had not been in the South' Island for sixteen years. In spite of this, he was convicted' and fined." ; ' :. It was obvious, the letter stated, that no motorist in his senses living) in Auckland would go to the expense of going down to Mataura to defend such a case, and consequently the. motorist was the victim of inadequate and out-of-date- legal procedure. ■ ■ L'The, second case was that of a motorist'who wanted to defend'a case. but decided not to do so because four •witnesses were subpoenaed to appear after travelling from Palmerjston North to Hawera. As the motorist would have been involved in.heavy expenses if found guilty he decided to plead guilty and pay whatever fine Was inflicted. .:.-'■'■ ; Particulars of similar cases coming under the notice of the association were requested by the union.l