AN INSANE MOTORIST

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14586, 8 February 1921, Page 6

AN INSANE MOTORIST

MORE PRECAUTIONS NEEDED. IN GRANTING OF LICENSES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. WELLINGTON, Monday. As .'i sequel to four persons being injured by a runaway motor-car in Manners street on December 15, Chas. Joseph Clark appeared at the Supreme Cuiirt to-day to answer a charge of having en used actual bodily harm. The defence was that accused was insane at the time of the occurrence. After hearing evidence, including that o f medical men. the jury returned the following verdict: "We find that prisoner was insane at, the time of the commission of the offence and we declare that we acquit him on account Of his insanity." The following riders were added: "(1) Re granting licenses —We think that steps ought to be taken by the City Council before granting a license to a motorist that a medical certificate ought to be produced; (SJ) we also think that steps ought to be taken to see that the speed limit is reduced in the busy streets of the city." In answer to the judge, the foreman said the speed limit in the city was 16 miles an hour. The Judge said that he would communicate the matter to the Minister of Justice. The verdicf of the jury was reduced t>> the special form provided by the Act, and prisoner was ordered to be kept in strict custody at the mental hospital at Porirua during the pleasure of the Minister of Justice.