“Red-Tape Princes”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6884, 13 April 1929, Page 13

“Red-Tape Princes”

Motor Drivers’ Problems in Italy

BHE motorist who thinks the method in vogue in this part of the world for granting of licences is a rather arduous business may be interested to know how difficult a matter it is to attain to this object in Italy. The first thing needed (writes D.D.B. in the Melbourne “Herald”) —for a British subject—is a certificate testifying to the respectability of the applicant. After this, he must be examined by two doctors, and certificates procured to the effect that he is physically sound, also that his eyesight and hearing are normal. These certificates must be witnessed by two people, and stamped in four different places by different ofiicials, whoso offices lie at opposite ends of the city, and are as a rule on the highest*floors of tall buildings, which are rarely equipped with lifts. Two photographs of the applicant are required, each pasted on a sheet of foolscap, which must also be stamped four times at the commune or municipality, with a declaration to the effect that the photographs are true pprtraits of the applicant. When these details have been attended to. the aspirant to a motor licence may feel that he* has made a beginning. My son, being under the age of 21, had the following experience:— Having procured all the necessary certificates, he was told that, being a minor, he would require the written consent of his fathex - , and on explaining that his father was in Australia, was assured that the written consent of his mother would be sufficient, this consent to be signed by her in the presence of two witnesses at the commune. Therefore, on the appointed morning, my son and I set off, and duly appeared at the tribunal, where an official of fierce aspect, and with wild black hair, took down our names and the names of our respective fathers. One of our witnesses, not being a resident of the city, was objected to, and another was procured —a porter belonging to the building who knew nothing about the business in hand, but who was prepared to witness anything for a consideration.

This difficult being disposed of, after much argument and gesticulation, the official who was prosecuting —for by this time we felt as though we were being tried for some heinous crime—announced that unless the written consent of my husband was forthcoming, he would wash his hands of the matter. Useless to explain to

him that we had been assured that, as three months must elapse before we could obtain my husband’s consent, my consent would be sufficient. Useless to explain that the sole reason for, my attendance at the commune was to affix my signature to this consent.

No! He put away his papers, folded his arms, and in a firm voice said: “It is finished. Impossible without the father’s consent.” Then gazed into space, apparently having dismissed us from his mind. Seeing that we showed signs of departure, he turned rapidly, and told us that if we would go to Room 11, at the other end of the building, Signor S might perhaps be able to advise us on the matter. So, accompanied by our witnesses, we set off for Room 11, to-be told that the written consent of the mother was always sufficient in such a case. Back we went to our fierce official, with no written authority as to what Room 11 had told us, but fortunately our word was accepted. By this time everyone in the office, including many people not even remotely connected with our case, had joined in the discussion, and were offering advice, with suitable gesticulations. Suddenly our official turned to me and said fiercely: “How old are you?” Being thoroughly intimidated, I lost my head completely, and hurriedly said “Forty-eight.” This being the number of our house, I hastened to correct my mistake, and was' regarded with the gravest suspicion by everyone present. However, all was now well until the official said, with an air of great triumph: “All is finished; no more can be, done, as you have not produced your stamped photographs.” Greatly to his chagrin, my son handed these to him. They were found to be O.K. We were then told that in three days the little licence, or permit to drive, sitting beside a person who already had a licence, would be ready. My small part was now finished, and my son settled ‘down to the really serious part of getting his licence. But the result was apparently satisfactory, as he passed the test with honours, and a few days later received his licence. Should he at any time run over and kill a pedestrian, 1 am told that I am liable to imprisonment for eight years, as he is a minor, and therefore cannot be held responsible.

However, as the Italians say, “Speriamo bene,” which, being interpreted, means “Let us hope for the best.”