EXCITING CAR CHASE

Evening Star, Issue 20633, 5 November 1930, Page 3

EXCITING CAR CHASE

MOTORIST IN COURT [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, November 4. An account of how the police had chased a car which had been concerned in an accident but had at length abandoned the pursuit was given in tho Police Court to-day, when Thomas John Firth was charged before Mr T. 13. M'Neil, S.M., with being intoxicated in charge ol a car, dangerous driving, and failing to after an accident. The hearing was adjourned. Sub-inspector Lopdcll said that tho accused and a companion were motoring from Masterton to Wellington on October 12. Bystanders noticed that the car was following an erratic course. At Kaitoke Flat it collided with a motor cycle. The car did not stop, but later it returned. Tho accused questioned those standing by tint scene of the accident, and said he wished to discover who was the driver of the car concerned. However, he was recognised by those present as tho one responsible. The accused and his companion then drove off in the direction of Masterton, hut returned a second time and halted again to ask questions, then resuming their journey. Shortly afterwards the accused called at a farmhouse for benzine. Both at_ this place and at the scene of tho accident the people who spoke to the two men considered that they were intoxicated. Communication was made with the police at Upper Hutt, and information given concerning the car and its occupants. The car passed through Upper Hutt at a speed estimated at forty miles an hour. A constable made unsuccessful attempts to stop it. The constable obtained the aid of another constable who was in his car near by, and they gave chase _to the vehicle ahead. In |lio ensuing journey to Lower Hutt the accused had many narrow escapes from accident. Upon Lower Hutt being reached the police decided, iu view of the congested traffic and the speed at which the accused was travelling, to give up the chase. A constable later interviewed the accused in Wellington.

Evidence was heard in support. An adjournment of tho hearing until Tuesday was granted to enable counsel to obtain evidence for tho defence.