CHARGE OF FURIOUS DRIVING, AND USE OF BAD LANGUAGE BY AN OMNIBUS DRIVER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IX, Issue 588, 23 June 1858, Page 3

CHARGE OF FURIOUS DRIVING, AND USE OF BAD LANGUAGE BY AN OMNIBUS DRIVER.

(From 'Punch.')

An elderly man, who gave the name of John "William Temple, but who is more commonly known by the sobriquet of " Old Pam," late driver of the Administration Omnibus, was brought before Mr. Punch charged with reckless driving, which had resulted in the upset of his vehicle, to the serious injury of the passengers, and the great risk of the public.

The defendant, who throughout the proceedings displayed a levity somewhat at variance with his advanced period of life, exclaimed vehemently against the conduct of the two very active and intelligent officers Gibson and Russell, of the X division, by whom he had been pulled up." He said there was a conspiracy against him on the part of the X division generally, and that they had tried to convict him last year, but it was. no go, as he had been triumphtly acquitted. Since then he had returned to his employment, where he believed he had given general satisfaction. He had no doubt the charge now trumped up against him would end in the same way, and that he would be on the box again in a few days. As for the officers Russell and Gibson, they had a spite against him for having got 'em both turned out of situations under Mr. John Bull, the same jobmaster he had always worked for. It was a dirty proceeding altogether. The worthy magistrate told the defendant that he could not be allowed to impute improper motives to active and zealous officers in this way. It was a common trick with old and hardened offenders to represent themselves as the -victims of conspiracy on the part of the

police. The prisoner said it was very hard to be turned out of his place at his time of life. He had been employed about Mr. Bull's yard, in different capacities, for more than 50 years. His motto was " live and let live," and he had always behaved handsome to his fellow servants, and didn't consider he had met with a proper return.

The particulars of the charge was then gone into.

The officer, Russell, said, that it was quite true, as the prisoner had stated, that he had been proceeded against under the same act last year, when he drove over and seriously damaged a harmless Chinaman, and that he had since then returned to his situation in Mr. Bull's establishment. Ever since his acquittal he had conducted himself very offensively to vritness and the other officers of the X division, and had grown more and more reckless in his manner of driving. Had been repeatedly remonstrated with by the passengers, but always answered them very saucily. Since the beginning of the year had observed the defendant's driving closely. It was extremely dangerous to the public. Was prepared with witnesses whom, defendant had knockc I down and otherwise severely hurt. Did not seem to have his horse in hand. Under-

stood the prisoner had been remonstrated with for putting some very vicious horses into his omnibus lately. He generally drove tolerable cattle, but had sometimes observed among them animals he thought quite unfit for their work, and had said so publicly to the defendant, who told him '• to go to Vienna," and used a contemptuous gesture. On Friday the 19th ult., observed the prisoner driving in Westminster. He came in contact with the French Ambassador's carriage,. which was standing opposite Downing-street, and upset his vehicle. Thought' he must have done it on purpose, as there was plenty of room to pass. The French Ambassador seemed much alarmed, and some French officers, who were with him, swore frightfully, and were very angry. Defendant was pitched off the box, and the passengers in the omnibus were all thrown out of their places, and several of them seemed in great pain. The witness was cross-examined by the defendant—Did not believe that the Chinaman defendant had knocked down last year was a sturdy and dangerous beggar, and that he had threatene:! to punch defendant's head before he was knocked down. Mr. Bull might have a high opinion of defendant. Believed he was quite in the dark as to his true character. Could mention the names of persons he had knocked down and hurt,—there was Mr. White, a Member of Parliament; Mr. Griffiths, a respectable elderly gentleman, also an M.P.; and Mr. Stirling, a literary gent. Did not hear that they had used aggravating language to defendant. Understands what a saucy answer is. His attention was called to defendant's driving in the regular course of his employment as one of the X division. The X division generally were charged to look after the Administration 'busses. Had seen a good many of them upset before. Had driven an Administration 'bus himself once. It was upset. It was no fault of his. Accidents would happen. Had a list (produced) here, of all the Administration 'busses that ever were upset since the Conquest. Would be happy to read it. When the defendant told him " to go to Vienna," felt he meant to insult him. Witness had been in trouble about a journey to Vienna, where he had been sent by Mr. Bull, the jobmaster, in whose employ he then was. Had not been gnilty of any dishonesty on that occasion. Did not see what that had to do with the present charge. Considered himself an experienced driver, and a judge of driving. Thought defendant much too fond of " chaff" and " larking," to be a safe hand on the box. Never " chaffed" himself. Did not know why he was called ''The Complete Letterwriter." Understood that the French officers had used very bad language before the defendant drove against them. Thought that if the defendant had spoken to them respectfully but firmly, they would have pulled on one side, and this collision would never have occurred. The omnibus was not much damaged. It was now running again, he believed, with a new driver— one Derby. The defendant used very bad lan-* guage when the officers took him into custody, and seemed much excited.

The defendant said, he threw himself upon his country and would call no witnesses; he scorned it.

The magistrate said, he was afraid he must consider the charge proved, but that he thought it would be best met by a mitigated penalty. The defendant had 1 been severely punished by his fall and the loss of his situation. He hoped this would be a -warning to him, and that his master, Mr. Bull, might perhaps be able to reemploy him before long.

The prisoner instantly paid the penalty, and left the court, apparently in high spirits.