DRUNKEN MOTORISTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23058, 8 June 1938, Page 15

DRUNKEN MOTORISTS

TRAFFIC .OFFICERS' POWERS TRAINING FOR SPECIAL DUTIES . [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Taesday " I think this is such a big national problem that every traffic offioer should go through a special training for the arresting of drunken drivers," said Mr. E. A. Batt, chairman, at th« general executive meeting of the Automobile Association (Wellington), tonight. A letter written by the Commissioner of Transport, Mr. G. L. Laurenson, to the North Island Motor Union, wa* read to the meeting. "The power of arrest is .essential to» my mind," the commissioner stated* 44 and, having regard to the fapt that the Courts trouLd sternly repress any; Unjustified action against the .liberty! of the Bubject, I am satisfied that the motoring public is far from being penalised. If this power is' granted it will derive a decided and additional protection." Mr. E. Palliser, a member of the executive, asked whether arrangements could be made so that the power of arrest might be allowed to offioers Who first served a probationary period similar to that served by constables. Mr. Batt: We should advocate that every traffic officer should be trained and given the power of arrest. At present traffic officers do everything that a policeman does, apart from arresting. It was decided unanimously that a letter supporting the Commissioner of Transport wholeheartedly should bo sent to the secretary of the North. Island Motor Union.