INTOXICATED MOTORISTS

Evening Star, Issue 19387, 22 October 1926, Page 8

INTOXICATED MOTORISTS

TWO GASES THIS MIMING

LAPSES BY EXPERIENSED DRIVERS Two motorists were chargeii at tho City Police Court this morning with having been found in charge of a motor car whilst in a state of intoxication, pleas of guilty being entered. Defendants’ counsel made fervid appeals to the magistrate (Mr J, G. L. Hewitt) to save their clients’ licenses, but His Worship stated that he would not decide offhand whether ho would only inflict monetary penalties or whether, in addition, their licenses should be suspended. Senior-sergeant Quartermaiu pointed out that a few months ago magistrates were sending intoxicated motorists to gaol without the option of a lino. Both cases were adjourned until to-morrow morning, when the penalties will be inflicted. A plea of guilty was made by Mr A. C. Hanlon for Harry Lawrence Holley, charged with being found in charge of a motor car while in a state of intoxication on the Wingatui Racecourse road on Thursday of last week. Senior-sergeant A. G. Quartermaiu said Holley was a licensed taxi driver. On the first day of tho D.J.C. races he was seen drunk on the course. While the cars were leaving, Holley was noticed plying; for hire when he was in a state of intoxication. Ho had been arrested and brought into Dunedin. Tho Magistrate: Did he have any passengers in tho cart Senior Sergeant: Two passengers got out of the car. Tho Magistrate: Ho was not actually driving? Senior Sergeant: No. Tho Magistrate: He would probably have driven away if be had had the passengers. Mr Hanlon said Holley had been a taxi driver for three or four years,_ and before that he had occupied two situations for eleven and eight years respectively, which showed that he was “a good working chap.” Quite_ recently he had been taking, a little drink—perhaps more than be should have—and on the race clay he was in a state of intoxication, it was admitted. Ho was not very bad, but had “ two or three ” drinks. Holley was a married man, with three young children. Tho taxi was his moans of livelihood. Holley had not been before the court previously. If a prohibition order was issued Holley would be prevented _ from getting into trouble. His license should be retained for the sake of his living. Holley’s relatives had promised to do all possible to keep him “ on tho rails.” Tho magistrate asked for the police opinion on delendant. Senior-sergeant Quartermain: He is a man who has been addicted to drink for simo considerable time, and tho police have, anticipated that he would get into trouble. “Tho police are always anticipating trouble; it is a fault of theirs,” retorted Mr Hanlon. Tho Magistrate said he would give his decision to-morrow, so that lie could consider whether a substantial monetary penalty would meet tho case or whether the license would have to Vto tt r*p 11 rwl John Stanley Arthur Dickinson was charged with having been intoxicated whilst in charge of a car in Crawford street last evening. _ _ _ The Senior Sergeant said that at 7.10 last evening the defendant collided with another car in Crawford street near His Majesty’s Theatre. “He was more than intoxicated; he vvas drunk,” explained the Senior Sergeant. Defendant, who was represented by Mr White, pleaded guilty. Counsel said that, although tho charge was admitted, his client did not agree with tho police statement to the effect that he was drunk. Defendant was a motor salesman, and had been a licensed driver for over twelve years. Up till the present time his record was blameless. The offence was only a temporary lapse. Mr White said that defendant collided with a car on the parking place, but the car was not damaged to any extent, which suggested that defendant was not travelling at a high speed. Defendant communicated with a constable after the accident, and this showed that he knew what ho was doing. ■ Tho case was adjourned until tomorrow morning.