CAR HITS SAFETY ZONE

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 227, 25 September 1929, Page 8

CAR HITS SAFETY ZONE

DRIVER ARRESTED. SHOPKEEPER FROM TOKAANU "SAFER TO WALK HOME." George Robert Hatch (27), storekeeper, of Tokaanu, where the big trout are, will not forget his experiences in Auckland with a motor car in a hurry. Not long after he had purchased a second-hand vehicle he was driving it in Karangaliape Road yesterday when the car collided with a safety zone. Hatch was arrested on a charge of being in a state of intoxication while in charge of the car. Accused, for whom Mr. R. A. Singer appeared, at the Police Court this morning, pleaded guilty. Sub-Inspector McCarthy said the collision took place at 3.20 yesterday afternoon. A constable and a traffic officer saw Hatch stagger over to the footpath after the collision. Hatch had been driving about the streets yesterday, and twice previously during the day his manner of driving had aroused the suspicions of two traffic officers. "Accused comes from the country and apparently he does not know' much of the ways of the big city," added Mr. McCarthy. "He was not what might be called 'drunk,' but he certainly came within the meaning of the Act. There was a bottle of whisky in his car. The foot brake was defective. Nothing previously is known against Hatch, who is a decent young chap." Mr. Singer said the collision would never have occurred had it not been for a cur in front of the one driven by Hatch swerving out. "Hatch only bought the second-hand car, and, to make matters worse, lie had not driven ins traffic before," said counsel. "To me, sir, the case seems to be just over that mysterious line —" Mr. Hunt: And that line goes up to a fine of £100. Mr. Singer: It's a pretty well marked line, too. (Laughter.) "I will just about quarter the £100 and fine him £20," said the magistrate. Mr. Singer uie magistrate not to ' cancel Hatch's driver's license, as it would seriously affect his means of livelihood. Hatch drove fishermen to the fishing places, and if his license was cancelled it would do him a great deal of harm. "There are some dangerous roads down Tokaanu way," said Mr. Hunt, who decided not to interfere with the license. "Yes, but there is more water than whisky there, too," suggested Mr. Singer. "Look here, you had better not drive in the city again, or I may cancel your license," the magistrate told Hatch.

Mr. Singer: I think it would be safer for him to walk home. (Laughter.)