THE RULE OF THE ROAD.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1259, 16 April 1886, Page 3

THE RULE OF THE ROAD.

The question of t he ru'e of tho road in driving and riding, upon which a considerable amount of misconception appears to prevail, came up during tho hearing of tho case of Regina v, Melhopht, for manslaughter, and,Mr Justice Johnston laid down tho law on the matter very clearly. It appears

that two statutory enactments on the su ject have .been flaiicle by the Parliament of New Zealand. The first of those is in the Public Works Act, 1882, section 102, sub-section 12, which is as follows :—“ Any person who does not keep any vehiohe, driven by him on the left or near side of the road when meeting, and on the right or off side when passing another vehicle, or does not leave a reasonable portion of the road for any vehicle passing him, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding five, pounds. The Police Offences Act, 1884, section 4, subjection 3, dealing with the same question, states as follows:— - ! Any person who drives any vehicle whatever, or rides any animal, and when meeting does not keep, the left or near side of the road or street, or when passing any other vehicle or animal going in the same direction does not go or pass, or does not allow any person desirous so to no to pass when practicable, on the right or off'side of such other vehicle or animal, is liable to a penalty not exceedingly ten-pounds.” The last-named Act being the. latest enactment, over rides the Public Works Act of 1882, and is therefore the law governing the rule of the road.

On the jury returning a verdict of guilty against Mehlhopt, Mr Kippen* berger, who prosecuted, said it was not desired to press for a substantial penalty. The man was a hard-work* ing farmer, and it was hoped that the Court could see its way to order him to come up for judgment when called on, Mr Justice Johnston could not do that. The prisoner would have to be made to feel the gravity of his posi« tion bv paying a fine to the Queen. If on Monday he was prepared to pay a moderate fine, the Court could see its way to dispense with the imprisonment to which he had rendered himself liable.— ‘ Press.’