“MENACE TO PUBLIC”

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20465, 4 April 1938, Page 6

“MENACE TO PUBLIC”

MAORI AMOK IN CAR STOLE VEHICLE FROM FRIEND “ A Maori who converts a car and drives it in such a reckless manner is a menace to the community,” said Sergeant T. Kelly, when prosecuting George Wilson, labourer , of Waercnga, on a charge of unlawfully converting a car. the property of Edmund Porangi. on December 24, in Hamilton and further for negligently driving the car in London Street and for driving without a license. Accused appeared in the Magistrate's Court, Hamilton, to-day. “This is not the usual type of car conversion,” remarked Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M., in convicting and fining ack cused £2 and 16s costs, in default 31 » days’ imprisonment on the charge of - unlawful conversion. On the charge of negligent driving accused was fined £5 and he was prohibited from holding a license until June 1, 1939. For > not having a license accused was fined * 10s and 10s costs. ’ Sergeant Kelly said accused was driven to Hamilton from Waerenga on r December 2 4 by the owner of the car, - Porangi. Accused stayed the night * with Porangi’s friends and the following day. Christmas Eve. accused had r some drink in Hamilton. While Porangi was asleep in the afternoon, accused was seen to take the car. He ’* drove down London Street and collided with a light car. which was slightly damaged. Almost immediately afterwards. when he had apparently lost control over the vehicle, accused veered to the incorrect side of the' road and ran into a parked truck. Fin- * ally accused drove to London Street Er.st and. stopping the car. jumped out and ran down the river path. Accused admitted being convicted earlier in the year for driving without a license.