License Must be Cancelled

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 174, 26 July 1938, Page 9

License Must be Cancelled

WHEN DRIVERS FOUND DRUNK IN CHARGE Reference to the cancellation of motor driving licenses was made by Mr. H. P. Lawry, S.M., in the Palmerston North Magistrate’s Court yesterday, when John Albert Taylor, a fitter, aged 47 years, was charged with being found drunk at the wheel. It was submitted by accused’s counsel, Mr. L. G. H. Sinclair, that if Taylor’s license were cancelled those who would suffer would be his employers. He was head fitter for a milking machine firm at present very busy with installations and Taylor had to be ready at a minute’s notice to drive out to a job. His Worship stated that a little while ago the Court might take into consideration such an aspect but since the practice adopted was that licenses must be cancelled even if tho accused is dependent on the car lor his livelihood. Counsel said accused was prepared tfl go to prison for tho offence rather than have his license cancelled. His Worship said the case was not one displaying recklessness, but he would be extending all the leniency he could in not sending accused to gaol. The license must be cancelled for 12 months. Accused could arrange for someone to drive the truck for him, possibly out of his earnings. Hia Worship imposed a fine of £ls as well. The circumstances of Taylor’s arrest, as explained by Senior-Sergeant McIntyre, were that he was seen driving an erratic course and when he stopped, a constable asked him to get out so that his sobriety could be tested. Taylor smelt of liquor and was unsteady on his feet. A doctor later certified that accused was unfit to drive.