DRUNK IN MOTOR-CAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20407, 8 November 1929, Page 16

DRUNK IN MOTOR-CAR.

CONTRACTOR FINED £ls. SEQUEL TO A COLLISION. [BY TELEGRAPH. OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] CHRISTCHURCH. Thursday. The sequel to an accident on the Riccarton Road on October 15, when a motor-car crashed into a post and a Telegraph Department truck, and the driver of the car subsequently disappeared, was heard in the Magistrate's Court to-day when William Millner, cartage contractor (Mr. F. D. Sargent), was charged with being intoxicated while in charge of a motor-car.

Evidence was given by the driver of the truck that defendant's car was zigzagging along the road and suddenly made a dive for his truck. There was a crash and a shriek, and when witness went to the car and opened the door, defendant practically fell out of the car. Defendant told him to get out of it. Defendant was under the influence of liquir and was stumbling about. Another motorist who came along said defendant had belter be taken away before tho police came. While they were moving tho vehicle Millner disappeared. 1 Other witnesses said defendant was staggering about and there wero strong evidences of liquor about him.

The police evidence was that when Millner was interviewed he said ho had left the scene of tho accident to telephone for another car.

After hearing evidcnco for tho defence tho magistrate, Mr. E. C. Levvey, said the evidence against defendant was conclusive, and he would bo convicted. On tho question of penalty Mr. Sargent said defendant would bo absolutely ruined if his car licence were taken away. He had been driving a car for 24 years and had never previously had a conviction against him in connection with his car. Defendant was fined £ls and costs and his licence was endorsed.