LICENSES CANCELLED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 80, 4 March 1929, Page 6

LICENSES CANCELLED.

TWO AUCKLAND CAR DRIVERS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 2. Two men who were charged in the Magistrate’s Court with being intoxicated while in charge of motor cars were each fined £2O and their licenses were cancelled. In the case of Albert Stark, aged 38, a jobbing carpenter ; the police said that he was sitting in a stationary car with another man and was intoxicated. It appeared as though he was ready to drive away, when a constable, who had been sent for, arrived. In the other case, that of John Miller, aged 47, Constable Doel said that he was standing in Manukau Road at 8.45 last evening, when he saw a car driven by Miller proceeding towards Onehunga without a single light showing. He signalled Miller to stop, but accused continued on in his car. Witness then boarded a passing motor-car and pursued Miller’s car, a distance of two car-stops away. Miller’s car was forced to stop when the car in which witness was driven forced him towards tho kerb. Miller’s speed was quite moderate, about 15 miles per hour, and there was nothing in the way he drove to suggest that he was under the influence of liquor. Witness asked Miller for his name and address, but he was in a muddled condition arid could not give it properly. After asking accused for his license, witness requested Miller to 6tep out of his car. He could then detect a strong smell of liquor on Miller, who staggered when he commenced to walk. After being arrested, Miller asked for a doctor and Dr Tewsley was summoned. Dr Tewsley examined accused 55 minutes later at the Central Police Station. Witness was positive that Miller was intoxicated. In evidence Miller said that he had four doctors examine him. The Magistrate: Yes, but three of them examined you about midnight. “It’s wrong to suggest that I was drunk,” said Miller.’“l ,had no drink after 4.30 p.m. yesterday, and I work in a brewery.” Counsel then said that accused always spoke with a “gurgling sound,” while ho walked peculiarly as a result of having once suffered from rheumatic fever. Being a nervous man and becoming excited when stopped by a policeman might have caused him to ho mistaken for an intoxicated person. He had intended to return and see what the constable wanted him for, and was about to do so when arrested.