SHOULD BE STOPPED

Hawera Star, Volume L, 27 October 1930, Page 8

SHOULD BE STOPPED

THEFTS OF MOTOR CARS,

INTOXICATION OF DRIVERS

Attention to the increasing number of convictions for drunkenness when in charge of motor cans as well as. tlio illegal conversion of motor vehicles was drawn by Mr A. E. Ansell (lief., Chalmers) in the House of Representatives on Friday.

Mr Ansell pointed out. that under the present Act a person found guilty of converting a car to his own use could receive no more than three months’ imprisonment. He suggested that the Crimes Act might, be amended to enable the court to impose a staffer penalty. The illegal use of motor cars often resulted in other crimes, , and something should be done to nut a stop to the practice. “If a- man steals a sheep valued at 80s ho is liable to If years’ imprisonment-,” said Mr Ansell. “but if he gets away with a motor car worth £IOOO lie is only liable for three months.” lie considered that some determined effort should be made to stamp out the offence of drunkenness in charge of motor cars. A fine of £2O or £3O was no use in a. case where a man was worth thousands. Fines and the cancellation of licenses did not. _ seem to meet the case. It was time the House insisted on imprisonment. Mr Ansell also suggested that constables on (joint duty should be provided with white gloves or a white gauntlet up to the elbow, such as worn by the London police. If this were done a great many accidents at street intersections would be avoided.