WARNINGS DISREGARDED

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 60, Issue 4234, 22 January 1940, Page 4

WARNINGS DISREGARDED

INTOXICATED MOTORIST PAYS PENALTY. I AN “ UNFAIR ” OFFENCE. W;hen Ivan Douglas Smith, aged 29 years, a sawmill foreman of National Park, yielded to temptation at Kihikihi last Saturday afternoon, and ignored the warnings so frequently given about motorists who forget their responsibilities, he stepped into serious trouble. Apparently returning to the King Country, Smith repaired to one of the last hotels tor relaxation and conviviality before entering the “ dry ” area again. The sequel was his appearance before Messrs W- Savill and S. Clark, justices of the peace, at Te Awamutu Court this morning to answer a charge of being in charge of a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition at Kihikihi on Saturday last. Inspector F. J. C. Cook, who prosecuted, said he first noticed Smith asleep in his car. A few minutes latei- he started the motor and moved away, driving erratically from one side of the road to the other. His head was bent over the steering wheel. When stopped and asked for his license Smith fumbled a good deal but his wife reached for his wallet and produced the license. He then admitted having had several drinks, and his manner plainly confirmed the fact . A little later, when walking towards the police station, he walked away, and was then arrested. While proceeding to the doctor in the inspector’s car he complained of the speed, pointing to the hands of the clock. He laughed and cried alternately, and ended with an angry outburst. The doctor certified to intoxication.

IWiien asked had he anything to say, Smith said he would like to have a prohibition order issued against him. The Bench Commented on the seriousness of the offence. Motorists had been warned not to take liquor. It was a most unfair offence because it exposed other people to injury, and intoxicated drivers could not expect leniency. The request for a prohibition order at that stage was no mitigation of the offence. Injury could have been done, and but for the inspector there was ho knowing what damage and injury to people would have resulted.

The inspector interceded and pointed out that the accused was quite a good type of man. He had a Wife and family, and was reported to be a good worker.

■The Bench replied that all past good conduct was negatived by this one offence, and the roads had to be kept safe for other people to use. There could be no excuse for the drive rgetting drunk when in charge of a car.

“ We cannot do otherwise than convict you,” said the Bench when addressing the accused. “ You have had so many warnings, and really you should go to gaol. You will be fined £2O, an<L your driver’s license will be cancelled, and you will be denied a driver’s license for twelve months.”

The inspector asked that the suspension of the license he held over for twenty-four hours in order that accused could drive his car and return in it with the members of his family to his home. “ What guarantee have we that he will go straight home ? ” asked the Bench.

The inspector said he had no hesitation in making the request. Finally the request was granted on the inspector undertaking to pilot the car beyond Kihikihi into the King Country “ dry ” area.