An Eventful Journey

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIV, Issue 129, 5 November 1930, Page 5

An Eventful Journey

POLICE CHASE A CAR

DRIVER CHARGED WITH DRUNKENNESS (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, Last Night. An account of how the police had chased a car which had b een con_ cerned in an accident but had at length abandoned the pursuit was given in the Police Court to-day, when Thomas John Firth was charged before Mr McNeil, S.M., with being intoxicated in charge of a car, dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident. The hearing was adjourned.

Sub-inspector Lopdell, in presenting the case for the police, said that the accused and a companion were motoring from Masterton to Wellington on October 12. Bystanders noticed that the car was following an erratic course and at Kaitoke Flat it collided with a motor cycle. The car did not stop, but later it returned. The accused questioned those standing by the scene of the accident, and said he wished to discover who was th e driver of the car concerned. However, he was recognised by those present as the one responsible. The accused and his companion then drove off in the direction of Masterton, but returned for a second time and halted again to ask questions, then, resuming their journey. Shortly afterwards the accused called at a farmhouse for benzine. Both at this place and at the scene of the accident the people who spoke to the two men considered they were intoxicated. Communication was made with the police at Upper Hutt and information -was given concerning the car and its occupants.

The car passed through Upper Hutt at a speed estimated at 40 miles an hour, said Senior-Inspector Lopdell. A constable made unsuccessful attempts to stop it. The constable obtained the aid of another constable ■who was in his car nearby, and they gave chase to the vehicle ahead. In the ensuing journey to Lower Hutt the accused had many narrow escapes from accident. Upon Lower Hutt being reached, the police decided, in view of the congested traffic and the speed at which the accused was travelling, to give up the chase. The constable later interviewed the accused in Wellington.

Evidence was heard in support. An adjournment of the hearing until Tuesday was granted to enable counsel to obtain evidence for the defence.