DEAF DRIVER.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18362, 21 April 1925, Page 4

DEAF DRIVER.

LICENSE RECOMMENDED. MEDICAL REPORT REQUIRED. The By-laws Committee informed the City Council last night that an application had been received under the new regulations for a license to drive n motor-car from a person who, tho Chief Traffic and Motor Inspector reported, was deaf. The Inspector pointed out that the license was available throughout New Zealand and, in view of the applicant's disability, he could not recommend the issue of a license. The committee had carefully considered the matter and decided to report as follows:—" That in view of tho fact that the applicant has driven a motor-car'for eight years without having an accident, the committee proposes to issue a license under the new regulations." Cr. C. P. Agar said that the matter had not been reported correctly to the Council. Cr. F. It. Cooke moved that the matter be referred back to the committee for consideration. He did not think the Council should countenance the risk of licensing a deaf driver. Cr. W, K. Lead lev, who seconded, said tlio Council must be satisfied that the holder of a license was a lit and proper person to drive a motor vehicle. The Council had to protect the public and the drivers of other vehicles, and the Council would be partially responsible should an accident happen due to the deafness of a driver licensed by the Couueil.

Cr. 11. T. Armstrong, M.P., said the Motor Inspector held that the license should not he granted in the circum-' stances.- The Council was concerned solely with the safety of the public. Sentiment did not enter into the matter. Thero were too many motor accidents already without adding to the risk of inoro occurring.

Cr. A. "Williams said the driver in question was only partially deaf. and had driven a car for,the Jasi, eight ws all over the Dominion, lie had been licensed all the time, and had never met with an accident. -It would bo wrong for the Council to refuse a license now.

Cy. O. AV. B. Anderson said the driver should receive an ear test while driving a car. He understood the driver could hear properly when driving the car.

. C'r. J. AV. Bcanlaiul said the committee only wanted to see justice done. Tho man was lirst licensed eight years ago and had driven continuously ever sinco without a mishap. Cr. AV. 11. AVinsor said the driver in question was a mosi> careful man. Cr. I£. J. Howard, M.P., said the Council should hesitate before granting a license in the face of tho Inspector's report, who said the driver was stone deaf. The Mayor said that was not correct. He had conversed with tho man himself without difficulty. Cr. Howard said tho applicant should go before the Council's medical adviher. Cr. A. McKcllar said the Council, eight years ago, had granted a 'license, in spite of a similar objection from the Motor Inspector.. The Inspector, if crossed once, tried again. He had used the phrase "stone deaf," thinking that that would carry weight with the Council, when, lie should not have used those words. Cr. J. K. Archer said it was a detestable thing for a councillor to make charges against an offiper who had 110 opportunity to reply. It was agreed that the committee should takei the clause back, and should act in accordance with the report of the Council's medical adviser as to tho physical fitness of the driver to receive a license. "