Fewer Intoxicated Drivers In Hamilton

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31098, 29 June 1966, Page 3

Fewer Intoxicated Drivers In Hamilton

(New Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, June 28. Fewer drunken drivers are dealt with in the Magistrate’s Court in Hamilton than in any other city in New Zealand, according to Transport Department figures.

Only five offenders have appeared before the Hamilton Magistrate, Mr Stewart Hardy, since December of last year. Two of these were in the last week. The figures, for a three month period ending March 31, show that three drunken drivers appeared before Mr Hardy. They were all gaoled and had their licenses suspended for varying periods.

The two who appeared last week were also gaoled. For the same period Christchurch had 32 offenders and they were all fined. Monetary penalties were imposed on 17 of the 26 drunken drivers who appeared in Auckland Magistrate’s Court. Nine were gaoled. Lower Hutt and Wellington had a combined total of 40 offenders and in each case they were fined. Magistrates throughout New Zealand dealt with 193 drunken drivers. Fines were imposed on 154 and 37 were imprisoned. Hamilton also rates as one of the few cities in New Zealand which has experienced less criminal activity over the last 12 months. However, there has been a large increase in traffic offences and civil claims.