TRAFFIC INSPECTOR INSULTED

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 March 1930, Page 11

TRAFFIC INSPECTOR INSULTED

——- — — A RELUCTANT APOLOGY. [SPECIAL TO “STAR.'”] AUCKLAND, March 26. A motorist, who was prosecuted at the Police Court this morning, and afterwards made use of an insulting remark to a City Council traffic inspector had to withdraw his words and apologise. Defendant was charged with proceeding ovei’ the intersection of Khyber Pass and Symonds Street, before receiving a signal from a traffic officer. He denied the charge and gave evidence in the witness box. He said that he did not commit a breach of the by-laws, although he admitted the traffic officer who reported him was one of the most reliable in the Council’s employ. After leaving the box, the motorist who was fined £l, with costs went over to the traffic officer and told him that he was a “first-class liar.” The officer reported what was said, to Mr George Hogan, Chief Traffic Inspector. Mr Hogan then mentioned the matter to the Magistrate, Mr W. R. McKean, saying that he took strong exception to'such a remark being made to one of his men.

The Magistrate immediate ordered defendant to stand up and withdraw the remark and also to apologise to the traffic man. This the defendant refused to do. “Do you hear my instructions?” said Mr McKean. “Yes,’ replied the motorist. “Well obey them,” said Mr McKean. The motorist’s counsel persuaded his client to withdraw the remark and to apologise. “I withdraw it, but I still think he’s a liar.” he said. Mr McKean: That is not the manner in which it has to be done. You must withdraw the remark made and also apologise. The motorist after further persuasion by counsel reluctantly and hesitatingly apologised.