LICENCES LOST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22981, 8 March 1938, Page 16

LICENCES LOST

INTOXICATED DRIVERS THREE CHARGES HEARD HEAVY FINES IMPOSED Charged with being in charge of motor-cars while in a state of intoxication, three men appeared before Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. Substantial fines were imposed in all cases, while the men's driving licences were cancelled and orders were made preventing them from obtaining new licences until May 31, 19159. Strong comment was made by the magistrate on the seriousness of the offences. A painter, Cyril James Taylor (Mr. Aekins), aged 35, pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector Fox said Taylor was driving a motor-car along the Wcsftrn Viaduct at 6 o'clock last Friday night when he collided with another car. Taylor did not stop, but was recognised by the driver of the other car on his return. His car mounted the kerbing when he was accosted. He was in a state of intoxication. Sailor's Alleged Action For accused Mr. Aekins said he had been driving for about 20 years without an accident. Taylor was motoring a sailor from the Louisville along the viaduct when the sailor exclaimed, " That's my ship," and pointed with his arm. This obscured the driver's view and caused the collision. " The action of the car in mounting the kerbing on its return has still to be explained," said the magistrate, in fining Taylor £2O and costs. " His car collided with a safety zone in Queeii Street, following a collision with a car parked near the kerb, and mounted the footpath, narrowly missing two pedestrians," said SubInspector Fox, when James George Mignot, a builder, aged 43, pleaded guilty to a similar charge. Mri Aekins, for accused, said that it was the action of the other car in suddenly turning on to the street that caused the collision, and a burst tyre was probably the reason for the car s mounting the footpath. Accused intended to sell his car. Mignot was fined £25 and costs. Rental Car Driver Stopped bv a constable in Karangahape Road at 12.15 a.m. on Saturday because his car did not have any lights, Cyril Alex. Stephen Mutch, farm hand, aged 28, was found to be in a state of intoxication and was arrested. Sub-Inspector Fox said the speed or Mutch's car was estimated to be 35 miles an hour. A doctor examined him 15 minutes after his arrest. In the car there were found five empty bottles of beer and whisky, 11 full bottles of beer and two of lemonade. Mutch made an unsuccessful attempt to escape from the police station. Appearing for Mutch, Mr. Schramm said his client was driving a rental car. It was the first time be had been in trouble and the liquor found in the car did not belong to him. . " A fair amount of this sort of thing seems to happen with rental cars," said tlie magistrate, in fining Mutch £25 and costs, and ordering his licence to be cancelled.