NO REAR LIGHT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 27 October 1928, Page 9

NO REAR LIGHT

TRIVIAL OFFENCES

COMMENT AT AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph—Special to “The Mail”)

AUCKLAND, 26th October

Two weeks ago, when he was confronted with a big batch of cases agaftist motorists for' failing to have rear lights showing on their cars; Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court asked why such a large number were being prosecuted. “I thought that the new rear red reflector- was to take the place of light,” he said. Full advantage of this broad hint was taken by motorists’ representatives yesterday to complain about the large number of prosecutions. When another batch was charged at the Magistrate’s Court before the same Magistrate, with similar offences, Mr T. R. Holmden, solicitor to the A.A.A., said it had been felt by the Auckland Automobile Association for some time past that such trivial offences should be dealt with in a broader light. A motorist could leave his car unattended under a street light, and he was not breaking the by-laws, but he could not drive along a well-lighted road minus his tail-light showing without being prosecuted. The usual fines of 10s and costs might appear to be a small matter, but it proved to be a costly process in the long run, particularly when one remembered that the price of petrol had advanced, and accessories had not dropped. Air Holmden made it quite clear that the A.A.A. had no grudge against the police, but it considei’ed that pinpricking prosecutions should not be brought. Mr C. F. Bennett, who was himself prosecuted for failing to have a rear light- on his car showing, and who is a member of the A.A.A., said that it was time some protest was made against prosecutions for such trivial offences. He suggested that it would be a good idea to adopt the Continental system, which was a schedule of fines, and that each case should be dealt with on its merits.

Sub-Inspector McCarthy: ‘‘l think the idea a brilliant one ‘if the system could be worked properly, but what is going to happen if a motorist knocks a person down on the road and proceeds ori his way without his tail light showing? How is a constable to get his number?”

When the first case was called of a man who had driven a car without a light, who wrote admitting the offence, Air Hunt said to Air Bennett: ‘‘Now, what would your conscience allow you to do in this case?” Air Bennett: “I would say a few shillings only, not a fine of 10s or £l, with costs.”

“Well. I’ll try it, just to show you that your morning's work in coming along here lias not been wasted. Fined 55,” said Air Hunt amidst laughter. “You know, when a man comes along here and gives me a good reason as to why liis light failed I usually convict and discharge him,” said the Magistrate in letting the next motorist escape without a fine.

A number c/f other similar cases were afterwards dealt with, some being convicted and discharged, others fined ss, while in extreme cases fines of 10s and costs were inflicted.