"UNDER THE INFLUENCE”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12404, 25 March 1926, Page 9

"UNDER THE INFLUENCE”

YOUNG MAN’S ESCAPADE MOTORIST’S EXPENSIVE JAUNT . ONE MONTH'S GAOL John Reginald Smith, aged 20, an Englishman, has cause to remember his last motor drive. Young Smith, on Tuesday last, went for a motor drive, and as events turned out, it proved an expensive jaunt. Firstly, Smith borrowed the Chrysler car from the Todd Motor Company, but did so without permission. Secondly, when he drove on Tuesday last, Smith did so without a license. Also he was “under the influence,” and indulged in speeding. Proverbially the way of the transgressor is hard. A vigilant policeman saw Smith’s borrowed car in full flight, gave chase in a taxi, took the driver's name and address, and brought to light the full list of young Smith’s transgressions. Came retribution in the form of court proceedings- Before Mr E. Page, S.M., yesterday morning, Smith appeared to answer for his indiscretions. He was charged with (1) converting to his own use a Chrysler motor-car,' the pioperty of the Todd Motor Company: (2) being in charge of the said car while in a state of intoxication; and (3) driving without a license. Smith admitted the facts in each charge. For being in charge of a car while in a state of intoxication the magistrate sentenced Smith to one month’s imprisonment. On the charge of unlawful conversion, he was ordered to make good any damage done. Driving without a license cost young Smith a fine of £l. The magistrate further ordered that he be debarred from obtaining a driver’s license for a period of twelve months; His was a costly motor jaunt.