A DRAMATIC CHASE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17408, 5 November 1930, Page 3

A DRAMATIC CHASE

“WANTED” MOTORIST SEQUEL TO ACCIDENT (Per Press Association.) ; ; WELLINGTON, last night. An account, of. how the police had chased a car which had ’been concerned in aii accident, but had at length to abandon pursuit, was given in the Police Court to-day, when Thomas John Firth, was charged before Mr. T. B. McNeil, S.M V , with being intoxicated in charge of a,fear, dangerous driving, and failing to stop after an accident. The hearing was adjourned. Sub-Inspector Lopdell, in presenting the case for the police, said the accused aqd a companion were motoring from Maktcrton to Wellington on October 12. Bystanders Noticed that the car was following an erratic, courso and at Kaitoke Flat it collided with a motor cycle. The ear-did not stop but later it returned. The accused questioned those standing by (lie scene of tho accident and said lio (wished Mq .discover who was the driver of "Hie'car concerned. However, ho was recognised by those present as the ono responsible. Tlio accused and his* 'companion then drove off in the direction of Masterton, but returned a second time, and halted again to ask questions,. then, resuming ,thg journey •shortly afterwards. The accused called at ja farmhouse for benzine. Both at this place, and at the scene of the accident, people who spokq to the two men co nsi de red They we re. intoxidated, j Cefinivinucation .was: "made"witli the police at Upper Hutt, and information given concerning tho 'car arid its. occupants. The car passed through Upper Hutt at a speed estimated at 40 miles per hour, said Sub-Inspector Lopdell. A constable made unsuccessful attempts to stop it Tho constable obtained -the aid of another constable, wfm was in his car nearby, and’, they "gave'.chase to the vehicle ahead. Jin" the'ensuing journey to Lower Hutt the accused had many ntti'Pbw ’escapes from ''accident. On Lower, Ifutt, ..Jjeiiig reached, the police IMdeif’-tliat in “view' •«? Rfe congested traffic and the speed at which the accused was travelling, to give up the chase. A constable later interviewed the accused in WajfturtoiUv], •/ . ; IfvidenceoYah- hcard in-'support. An .adjournment, of the hearing until Tuesday,..was granted to enable counsel to obtain evlden’ce-for the defense.