UNUSUAL CASK

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 12, 14 July 1939, Page 17

UNUSUAL CASK

DRIVER OF TOWED LORRY

An unusual case was heard before Mr. A. M. Goulding, S.M., in the Lower Hutt Court yesterday, when Walter George Scott pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in charge of a motor-car on the main road. Sergeant J. W. McHolm conducted the prosecution, and Mr. C. O. Bell appeared for the defendant.

According to the facts put before the Court, the defendant was driving a motor-lorry south from the Wairarapa. When he reached Taita, the engine stalled, and the truck could not be made to start. He went to the Taita Hotel, and telephoned a firm of motor engineers..He was told that the breakdown van would not be there for some time, and, thinking that he would not be required to drive again, he had a few drinks.

When the breakdown van arrived, the mechanic found that it was a case of ignition trouble. The truck was too heavy for the front of it to be hoisted for towing, so the defendant agreed to steer the truck as it was being towed. The lights of the truck were not operating, and it was dark when the tow commenced. While the vehicle was being towed, a traffic inspector stepped out and signalled to stop. The driver of the towing vehicle had to pull up suddenly, and the defendant ran into the back of the van.

A Wairaxapa farm manager gave evidence as to the defendant's character as an employee.

"This is not a case in which I should consider imprisonment," said the Magistrate. "He took liquor in the belief that he would not be driving the truck again, but having done so he was foolish enough to accept charge of it. I feel sure that if the traffic officer had not stopped the tow-wagon, the collision would not have occurred. In view of what the farm manager says, I will not interfei'e with the defendant's licence, though I did propose doing so."

A fine of £7 10s arid costs was imposed.