LICENSES SUSPENDED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 18 December 1936, Page 2

LICENSES SUSPENDED

FOR NEGLIGENT DRIVING MAGISTRATE’S WARNING Licenses were suspended in three traffic cases which were heard in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M., remarking that licenses must bo suspended for negligent or dangerous driving. Hector Whitwell was charged that on lGth November he did negligently drive a motor-car on Haven road. Defendant, who was represented by Mr J. R. Ralfe, pleaded guilty. Senior-Sergeant C. Petersen • said that the defendant was driving in a procession of cars towards the Port, and was the last car. Preceding him were two taxis. Just as the rear taxi entered Haven road off Saltwater bridge the defendant shot past between him and a car approaching from the opposite direction. Only the prompt action of the taxi driver prevented a collision. Defendant later tried to pull out and pass between a car in front and another coming from the opposite direction. This car had to pull up to prevent a collision. Defendant pulled back behind the other car and remained there. But it was noticed that his driving was erratic. There were signs of liquor on him.

“INCREASING AMOUNT OF DANGEROUS DRIVING,” SAYS SENIOR-SERGEANT

“I would like to make this remark,” said the Senior-Sergeant: “The standard of care is that which is determined by the Court. I must point out the' increasing amount of dangerous driving which is occurring in this district, as proved by the number of collisions.”

Mr Ralfe said that the defendant was driving his brother to catch the boat and was late. He had been driving a car for over 18 years and had not been in trouble previously. He used his car for business.

The Magistrate said that in view of what the Senior-Sergeant said he must suspend the license. Mr Ralfe said there was no actual accident.

“AN ACCIDENT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT”

The Magistrate said that it was an accident that there was no accident. He imposed a fine of £2 and 10s costs, and suspended defendant’s license for three months. Wilfred L. Griffiths ,was charged that on 21st November he did drive a motor-car on Wakefield Quay in a manner which, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, was dangerous to the public. Mr J. R. Kerr represented the defendant, who pleaded guilty. Traffic-Inspector C. E. Parkinson said that defendant ran into a telegraph post near Richardson street. Mr Kerr said- that the defendant elected to run into the post instead of endangering another car. His brakes failed him.

Griffiths was fined £2 and 15s costs, and his license was suspended for one month.

A charge of negligent driving on the Main road';at Tahunanui, was preferred against David Davies, who pleaded guilty. Defendant was represented by Mr Kerr. Traffic-Inspector Parkinson said that James Anderson was driving along the Main road, slowed down and signalled his intention to turn into his gate, and defendant came along and crashed into him. “SPEEDED UP TO PASS A CAR” Mr Kerr said that the defendant was a miner of Puponga. He speeded up to pass the car in front which was travelling slowly. His mental state, caused by trouble he had had, no doubt was responsible for the accident. The defendant was fined £2 and costs 18s and his license was suspended for three months. “Licenses must be suspended for negligent or dangerous driving unless it can bo shown that suspension is ruinous,” said the Magistrate. Mr Kerr pleaded extenuating circumstances, and the period of suspension was reduced to one month.