RECKLESS MOTORING

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12076, 2 March 1925, Page 6

RECKLESS MOTORING

POWERS OF THE COURT. GISBORNE DRIVER FINED. • Per Press Association. GISBORNE, February 28. As a seqliel to a recent collision between two cars on race day, a Maori named Walter Waipa appeared before Mr Lewey, S.M., on', a charge of'driving negligently, and in a manner dangerous to the public, and with plying for hire without a license, and with {ailing ro keep as near to the left as practicable.

After a lengthy hearing, in the course of which the defendant said he did not, have a license to drive but had made an application for one. the magistrate said that it seemed to him that the defendant had been travelling ou tlie wrong: side of the road, and that a conviction should be recorded. A plea' of guilty was entered on the alternative charges, and. the defendant was ordered to pay the costs. 12s, in respect to each charge. : On the major' charge, the magistrate said that the court, under the new Act,: had power-to impose a . fine up to £IOO, or three months’ imprisonment. Power was also given to magistrates to deal with licenses, and he. thought 5 that the present case was one in which such an action should be taken. _ The ' ctefendant . would b© fined £5, and disqualified fromsecuring a license for six months. Me would also be . ordered to pay the costs; £& 14s. v ■ Tbe Tnaoiatrat* -added that he proposed taPuto this section of .the Act in regard to licenses in all casea ot earless driving.’ 5