A DRUNKEN MOTORIST.

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 37

A DRUNKEN MOTORIST.

COLLISION WITH TRACTOR. WELLINGTON, February 4. “There is only one thing to do with a man vyho gets drunk while in charge of a motor car, make him give up either drink or the car,” said Mr (F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when he fined Maxwell Menzies Frost £25 for being intoxicated when driving a motor car on the Ngahauranga Gorge road. The Magistrate also cancelled Frost’s license for six months, but said that if the defendant took out a prohibition order against himself he could make application to have it re-issued. Mr C. W. Tanner, who appeared for Frost, said that his client did not wish to put the prosecution to any expense, and he would, therefore, plead guilty. He had collided with a tractor on the road, and his car had been badly damaged. Frost did not consider he was incapable of driving, but admitted that he had had 12 brandies and port wine within two and a-half hours.

The Magistrate: What is he ? Mr Tanner: He is engaged in the motor Counsel added that the defendant was the only one who had suffered as a result of the collision. The Magistrate:' He might have met me on the Ngahauranga Gorge road. Fined £25 and license cancelled, if he does not take out a prohibition order. Mr Tanner: Is .not that rather severe, your Worship? “Severe? The Act renders him liable to a fine of £lOO, or three months’ imprisonment,” replied Mr Hunt. • ■ “It seems almost a pity that he pleaded guilty,” continued Mr Tanner. Mr Hunt: If he had gone into the box and, perhaps, told a lot of lies he would have been fined twice as much. “But, sir” —persisted Mr Tanner. Mr Hunt: That will do. It is only because of his youth and good character that he got off so lightly. Up north he would have been fined £5O, and had his license suspended for 12 months. Mr Tanner: May I ask for time to Pa {lr Hunt: Certainly, what time do you want?Air Tanner: Three months. . Frost was allowed 14 days m which to find the money.