INTOXICATED MOTORISTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3912, 5 March 1929, Page 65

INTOXICATED MOTORISTS.

FINES OF £2O IMPOSED.

AUCKLAND, March 2.

Two men, charged in the Police Court with being intoxicated while in charge of motor cars, were each fined £2O and their licenses were cancelled. In the case of Albert Stark, aged 38, a jobbing carpenter, the police said he was sitting in a stationary car with another man, and was intoxicated. It appeared as though he was ready to drive away when the constable who had been sent for arrived. In the other case, that of John Miller, aged 47, Constable Doel said he was standing in Manukau road at 8.45 last evening when he saw the car driven by Miller proceeding towards Onehunga without a single light showing. He signalled to Miller to stop, but the accused continued on in his car. Witness then boarded a passing motor car, and Miller’s car a distance of two car stops away. Miller’s car was forced to stop when the car in which witness was driven forced him towards the kerb. Miller’s speed was quite moderate —about 15 miles an hour, and there was nothing in the way he drove to suggest he was under the influence of liquor. Witness asked Miller for his name and address, but he was in a muddled condition and could not give it properly. After asking the accused for his license witness requested Miller to step out of his car. He could then detect a strong smell of liquor on Miller, who staggered when he commenced to walk. After being arrested Miller asked for a doctor, and Dr Tewsley was summoned. Dr Tewsley examined the accused 55 minutes later at the Central Police Station. 'Witness was positive Miller was intoxicated. In evidence Miller said he had four doctors to examine him. The magistrate: But three of them examined you about midnight. “ It’s wrong to .suggest I was drunk,” said Miller. “ I had no drink after 4.30 p.m. yesterday, and I work in a brewery.” Counsel then said the accused always spoke with a “ gurgling sound,” while he walked peculiarly as a result of having once suffered from rheumatic fever. Being a nervous man and becoming excited when stopped by a police man might have caused him to be mistaken for an intoxicated person. He had intended to return and see what the constable wanted him for and was about to do so when arrested.