CHASE AT 70 M.P.H.

Chronicle (Levin), 6 September 1946, Page 4

CHASE AT 70 M.P.H.

Inspector's Heclic Dash After MotorGycM COURT CHARGE FOLLOWS The story of a hectic dash by fwo traffic inspectors after a motor cyelist last Sunday was unfolded in the Otaki Magistrate's Court, before Mr. A. M. Goulding, S.M., yes'terday, when Gilbert George Harris, aged 21, was charged with driving in a manner whi'Ch might have been dangerous to the public. Lying flat along the tank of :the cycle, Harris crossed the Waikanae one-way bridge at between 60 and 65 m.p.h. Behind him was Inspector Peters, of Otaki, who had first seen him coming at an estim-, ated speed of 55 m.p.h., and who had unsuccessfully chased him for ten miles from Otaki. Just south of the bridge was Inspector Semple, who heard the cycle approaching at high speed and partly turned his car. He estimated Harris' speed at from 60 to 65 m.p.h. and noticed that the cycle was bumping as much as a foot from the road. He was convinced that at such a speed it would never negotiate the double right an'gle bend the road makes oVer the railway crossing south of the bridge. Harris successfully rounded it and Inspector Semple gave chase. Inspector Semple follo'wed him for a mile and a-half, touching 70 m.p.h., until he arrived at the next 'curve to find that Harris had come to grief trying to round it. He was unhurt and the cycle was in the water table. Inspector Semple told the court that in 1945 a total of 15 motor eyclists and pillion riders had been killed and 327 injured." To the end of August this year the 1945 figures had already been passed, with 16 motor cyclists and pillion riders killed. Harris had had a fortunate escape in the crash. In convicting defendant, Mr. Goulding said it was one of the worst cases of dangerous driving of a motor cycle ever to come befo/e him. He fined Harris £20 and cancelled his license for six months. Harris later' appeared before the •court, when evidence was again heard. Inspector Peters pointed out that Harris had passed cars at high speed and had driven round and over dangerous corners and intersections. Inspector Semple said the afterhoon was fine. He also stated that the number plate had been smeared with oil, whether deliberately or not he could not say. In answer to a question, HaiTis said the cycle was a new one -and he "was trying it out. It was a postwar model. He had not yet paid for it, and it did not look as if he would be, able to. Mr. Goulding again "stressed the danger of high speed, and said ne would not alter .the penalty. Harris said that he would appeal against it. Mr. Goulding: You can do so. We must protect the public.