MOTOR OFFENCES

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1928, Page 6

MOTOR OFFENCES

EXACTION OF PENALTIES

IXSPECTOIIS’ POW ERS S H 0 ULD

BE WIDENED

AUCKLAND, Nov. 15

A suggestion that the police should have power where motorists admit minor offences to fine thein on the spot and thus do away with court proceedings, was considered at a meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

Air (,*. p. Bennett said lie thought where trivial cases were brought against motorists they should he dealt with in a more expeditious manner. When they considered the enormous amount of time and money wasted in issuing and delivering summonses and the time spent by motorists and pnlirsmon in Court, the loss seemed out of all proportion to the seriousness of the offences. It simply meant that motorists were mulcted in Court for the cost of bringing the case. The Chamber of Commerce, as representing business men should take some action. He suggested that the Continental system should be introduced here and that traffic inspectors should have a scheduled list ot lines for unions minor offences. Ibis would save a tremendous amount of time and trouble.

“This is a matter for serious 00.11-.-.ideration,” said Mr A. G. Limn. “The present system is an niter waste of time. T think the Magistrates -hould be eonsullcd. Mr I'. K. Hunt, S.M., has indicated time and again that too many lrivia-1 cases were coming before the Court. It was decided to rotor the matter to the executive to consult with the Magistrates and the Auckland Automobile Associaton, enquire into the position generally, and report bntk to the Council.