WILD WEST 'METHODS IN N.Z.

Putaruru Press, Volume V, Issue 177, 24 March 1927, Page 7

WILD WEST 'METHODS IN N.Z.

“ARREST OF FARMERS.” Darfield, New Zealand, a village, will be pleased to know that the Americans have learned all about the place. The New Zealand police will be glad to know—well, read this from the San Francisco Chronicle:— Obtaining a license to drive an automobile in New Zealand is far from being a mere formality, as is the case in more populous communities, according to a letter received by Owen McCusker, general manager of the Paige Company of Northern California, Paige distributors in this section, from the dealer for this car in Auckland. According to the letter, in that part of the Antipodes there is one automobile to every family of five members, and the man or woman who cannot drive a car conceals the fact as disgraceful. The authorities who grant driving licenses generally set a high standard. The sort of test imposed is left to the examiner, who in many places, and almost invariably in the country districts, is the local constable. The dealer points out that at the village of Darfield, N.Z., the constable has incurred the enmity of several businessmen who own cars. He takes them and their cars into a small back yard dotted with tall cans and orders them to steer an irregular course amid these obstacles. Those who succeed in ci-ossing the lot are greeted with a somewhat spiteful smile and ordered to repeat the trip in reverse gear. Failure results in a denial of the driver’s license, which is necessary to legally pilot an automobile. Daw enforcement officer* in New Zealand spend a considerable part of their time arresting respected and venerable farmers who have been refused drivers’ licenses and who refuse to give up their cars.