CAR COLLISION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 241, 8 September 1927, Page 7

CAR COLLISION.

LEADS TO CHARGE AGAINST DRIVER. FINE OF £5 IMPOSED. “This class of case is becoming common in Palmerston North, and people won’t be safe on the roads if intoxicated motorists aren’t checked.” stated Senior-Sergeant O’Grady at the Police Court this morning when John Francis Coomber, a butcher 22 years of age, appeared on a charge alleging intoxication while in charge of a motor car in Grey Street last evening. Defendant’s condition, the senior-ser-geant proceeded, had come under notice at between 6.30. and 7 o’clock, when he had run into another car and, continuing on for some distance had carried away a shop verandah post. No doubt, stated Mr Ongley, who appeared for accused, iris client had been under the influence of liquor, but, submitted counsel, it was not so much the quantity ot liquor he had consumed as the circumstances under which it had been taken that were responsible for his condition. Leaving Hastings with a party early yesterday morning to attend the Canterbury-Manawhenua match, tho car had broken down at Norsewood, and, after a delay of three hours, 'they had reached Palmerston North at 4 o’clock. After going to the match and having a few drinks afterwards, they started off on the return journey to Hastings, meeting trouble in Grey Street. On this occasion, because of the circumstances surrounding it and the fact that defendant Had had no lunch, drink had affected him more than ordinarily. This was the first time that accused had been before the court, and counsel asked that his license—on which he was dependent for his living—be not touched. “We hope that this will be a lesson to you,” stated the Bench in imposing a fine of £5. “Your license won’t be interfered with, but, if you appear before the court again, it will probably be cancelled.” Messrs C. H. Whitehead and G. A. [Wilton, J.P’s., were on the Bench.