Driving Taxi at 73

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6837, 19 April 1932, Page 3

Driving Taxi at 73

LONG AND FINE RECORD. CONGRATULATIONS FROM BENCH. A man who is still driving a taxi-cab at the age of 73 and was stated to have been driving since 3 908 without being in trouble before, was congratulated upon his fine record by the North London Magistrate, Mr Basil Watson, K.C., lattly. Summonses against the taxi-driver, Harry Farrcl Skoates, alleged that he neglected to stop at the direction of a constable on duty, drove without due care, and in a dangerous manner. He pleaded not guilty. Constable Lewis said lie was standing in the roadway regulating traffic when he was struck in the back and knocked down. On regaining his ftet, he saw defendant’s taxi-cab immediately behind him. "I asked him what he wa.s tryin gto do,” witness proceeded. "He replied, ‘L didn't see you.’ ” Witness was injured in the back and was off duty for eighteen days. Defendant: I didn't, see him until I was right on top of him. A- witness for the defence said that in his opinion the constable stepped into the roadway without giving the defendant sufficient warning, the road being wet.

The magistrate: This man has been driving a. tremendously long time. It is the most marvellous record 1 have come across in iny life. Adding that he thought the defendant should not be asked to pay the whole of the costs, he dismissed the case upon the payment of lOs C>d costs.