THE RUNAWAY CAR

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1926, Page 4

THE RUNAWAY CAR

CHARGE. ApA-INST MOTORIST DISMISSED. WEI.vbINGTON. July 3. “Blow came to my house and stayed for ten that evening.” said Judge Gilfedder in giving evidence in a ease in which a friend, Reginald G. H. Blow, an estate agent, whs charged with being drunk while in charge of a car. “We had been out all afternoon doing business about a house. T had ordered a dozen bottles ol Muscat. When I arrived home the wine was there, and T asked Blow to sample it j with me. He did so. After tea, just as we were going, I suggested that lie try a ‘spot 1 of whisky. 1 here was very little in the bottle—not enough to. make one drunk. \\o had a small drink. Blow was sober when we went out together. He had not taken any liquor at all during the afternoon. He was with me practically all the time.”

Mr O’Leary told the Court he had other wi tmeses to call, hut Mr Page, S.M.. asid lie <]id not think it necessary. The prosecution, in a case like ths, should prove the defendant to he intoxicated while in charge of a car. This they had not done. He had decided to dismiss the case. Judge Gilfedder was leaving that evening for Christchurch and Blow had offered to, drive him to the ferry boat. The host and guest went out to the car, which was standing outside. Tt refused to start properly. While Blow was endeavouring to adjust- matters the car bolted down the Terrace, the two clinging ,on behind and doing their liest to stop it. and get aboard at the same time. They were unsuccessful, and let go. following the vehicle in wild pursuit. The machine crashed into an electric light pest, bringing it down. Just as. the driver and his companion were upon the vehicle it bolted again, finally finishing up alongside alnotlier post. Jiulsre Gilfedder had only time to grab his hag and rush on the steamer.

Hearing the crash. Dr Robert Stout hastened out and saw Blow at the wheel. Thinking that he was not in a fit- state to pilot the vehicle, he asked him to refrain. Blow refused, and wL?n lie drove off the. doctor rang up the police. Giving evidence, the doctor said he considered the defendant was not in a fit state to drive the car. but he would not spy he was drunk.