MAGISTRATES COURT.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18165, 1 November 1930, Page 8

MAGISTRATES COURT.

EXCESSIVE SPEEDING. CONTRACT INTERFERED WITH.J, -J SEVERAL MOTORISTS SUED. ’ (Special to the Times.) HUNTLY, Friday. Owing to serious complaints by th 9 contractors who are engaged in the sealing of the main highway near Ohlnewai the heavy traffic motors, the drivers of which were exceeding the speed limits allowed for their classes of vehicles, Twytic Inspector E. H. Barrett proceeded against a number of lorry drivers and service car drivers for excessive speeding. The position had become acute, for the contractors were on a time limit to complete the work, which was preparatory to sealing. John Clougher (White Star) explained that he had a block or baffle plate on the carburettor and could not have got the alleged speed„(34s) out of his car, as Mr Barrett alleged. He was reminded by the bench that apparently his block got warmed up in the run.

William Gilmore (2T* speed class) reached 34.6 and 38 m.p.h. Leo McGuire (Aard) drove one of Miss Marxey’s oars at 36 m.p.h., and Joseph Dent (Aard) another of the same owner’s machines at 34 m.p.h. The latter admitted that his motor was capable of doing 50 m.p.h. quite comfortably if put to it.

Dent admitted leaving Hamilton late on the trip. He was clocked by the inspector and the departure times from Hamilton were confirmed by Mr L. Hawke, sub-manager for the Aard organisation at this, place, but the magistrate was sceptical about taking the booked times in the register as evidence.

Victor W. J. Burge (0.D.5.) was said to be doing 39 miles an hour through the area measured by Mr Oldham of the Public Works Department, but the defendant queried this speed, as he knew the inspector was on the job that day. ' A Case Adjourned. A'charge against Gibson’s (White Star) was adjourned, while Robert Jarden, driver for Chas. Edwards (White Star) was adjudged to be doing 36 and C. L. Lowe (Safety Service), 39 m.p.h., while John E. Olney was credited with 30 and in the latter instance Mr Barret- pointed out that the average was not a fair indication of, the actual speed attained throughout the area as he approached the trap start at a much higher rate. Don Cattenach (Aard) on two tripsregistered 32.7 and 40.0 m.p.h., and he was cross-questioned about previous speeding, Mr Barrett adding that he had given him a warning as .to “stepping on it” previously. Leonard G. Wells (Aard), 34$ m.p.h., closed .the service drivers quota for the the sitting.

The Magistrate stated that it was his intention to test the inspector’s clocking, at the area over which the charges arose, and for that purpose November 27 was fixed for the de-' monstration.

The Magistrate promised that he would give his decision on November 28

In passing, Mr Levien remarked that if a board were put up by the contractors probably the trouble might have been avoided, and this remark was agreed to by Mr Barrett, w'ho said he had already suggested that this should be done. Heavy Lorry Traffic, The heavy lorry traffic also came under the v notice of the Main Highways Inspector, and the following had to answer breaches of the Motor Lorry Regulations, 1927, for exceeding the maximum speeds in their classes:— Cedric Carley, driver for H. J. Teddy (16.8 class), 31 and 32 m.p.h., and H. J. Teddy (16.8 class), 30 and 38 m.p.h., were prosecuted, and lengthy evidence was taken. Leslie Ewart (24 class), 29 m.p.h, who told the inspector that his lorry was an A class one; H. F. A. Hutchinson (24 class), 32 m.p.h.; Geo. Grace (21.6 class), 27 m.p.h., who was previously warned, were stood down pending the test on the 27th instant, r Non-appearance of defendants were dealt with as follows:—N. E. Grange (Felton Co.), 16.8 class, 31$ m.p.h., £3 and costs; S. J. Hastie (16.8 class) 29 m.p.h.. £2 and' costs; George Tate (21.6 class), 36 m.p.h.', £2 and costs; Ed. C. Lynton (19.2 class), 33 m.p.h., £3 and costs; Eric Bowen (16.8 class) 29 m.p.h., £3 and costs; K. R. Lott (16.8 class),'27s m.p.h., £1 and costs; Herbert Smith (16.8 class), 29 m.p.h., £1 10s and costs.