CONVERSION OF CARS

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1934, Page 3 (Supplement)

CONVERSION OF CARS

HEAVIER PENALTY URGED.

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION'S VIEW.

(By

“Spotlight.”)

The extraordinary position existing in New Zealand regarding the conversion of motor-cars is still a source of worry to motorists and the subject of contention between Motor Unions and the law. “Spotlight” has received a circular from the North Island Motor Union again drawing attention to the problem. The circular is emphatic in its appeal for a higher penalty. “The law still regards the theft of a motor-car as a childish prank, the greatest penalty for which is imprisonment for six months,” states the letter. “As the law stands to-day, if a man steals a horse he is liable to up to 20 years’ imprisonment. If he steals a car the most he can get is six months In certain states of America the penalty for the conversion of motorcars has recently been increased to up to 20 years’ imprisonment.”

The circular refers particularly to the recent case at New Plymouth, when two car thieves stole a vehicle and were stopped by the police near Mokau. The gravity of the case was increased (says the circular) by the manner with which Constable Powell was assaulted in the course of his duty. Yet the one man received 7 months imprisonment, and the other, who had attacked the constable, received “not more than two years’ detention in a Borstal Institute.”