DRIVING TAXI AT 73.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21153, 9 April 1932, Page 2 (Supplement)

DRIVING TAXI AT 73.

LONG AND FINE RECORD.. CONGRATULATIONS FROM BENCH. A man who is still driving a taxi-cab at the ago of 73 and was stated to have been driving since 1908 without being in trouble before was congratulated upon his fino record by tho North London Magistrate, Mr. Basil .Watson, Iv.C. lately. Summonses against the taxi-driver, Harry Farrcl Skeates, alleged that he neglected to stop at tho direction of a constable on duty, drove without due care, and in a dangerous manner. He pleaded not guilty. Constable Lewis said ho was standing in tho roadway regulating traffic when ho was struck in the back and knocked down. On regaining bis feet lie saw defendant's taxi-cab immediately behind him. " I asked him what he was trying to do." witness proceeded. "Ho replied, ' I didn't see you.' " Witness was injured in tho back and was off duty for eighteen days. Defendant: I didn't fee him until I was right on top of him. A witness for the defence said that in his opinion tho constable stepped into the roadway without giving the defendant sufficient warning, tho road being wet. Tho magistrate: This mail has been driving a tremendously long time. It is the most niarvollous record I have come across in my life. I think ho has driven marvellously. Adding that ho thought defendant should not bo asked to pay tho whole of tho costs, ho dismissed the case upon tho payment of 10s 6d costs.