DRIVERS AND LIQUOR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 58, 10 March 1937, Page 7

DRIVERS AND LIQUOR

DOCTOR CRITICISES POLICE COURT’S ATTITUDE DEFINED. AUCKLAND, March 6. An opinion that there was a somewhat enthusiastic tendency on the part of the police, in view of recent legislation, to swing the pendulum very much against motorists where there was only the slightest suggestion of intoxication was given by Dr. M. G. Pezaro in the Police Court yesterday, when he was giving medical evidence in a case in which a motorist was charged with intoxication. “I have heard this matter repeatedly discussed, and, along with the many press accounts of intoxication charges, it appears that if a man who has one glass of liquor, and whose breath smells of liquor, has the misfortune to be involved in a minor accident. he stands to suffer a severe penalty,” said Dr. Pezaro. "There may be a grave danger of the matter being carried too far,” Dr. Pezaro continued. “In view of the wide controversy on the subject, there is a possibility that it has not been unnecessarily overdone. There is no gainsaying that it is in the best interests of the community. It has probably been a distinct deterrent and broken the drinking propensities of drivers.”

When Sub-Inspector Fox objected to “these wide allegations against the police,” Dr. Pezaro said the fact remained, and he disagreed that his statement might create a false impression with the public. The magistrate, Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, said the action of the police had probably been forced on them by pub lie opinion. They had a duty to perform, and the Court was required to check up all the details and treat the offence as it should be treated. It was a matter for gratification that the Court’s attitude in the matter had I been brought rather forcibly before the public through the pre”-