AN INSULTING REMARK

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1930, Page 3

AN INSULTING REMARK

MAGISTRATE COMPELS WITHDRAW A D. AUCKLAND, March 26. A motorist who was p.oseauou ui the j.'olice Court this morning, ai.-u afterwards maue uso of an insulting remark to a Lay Council Lra/lio inspector, had lo withdraw Ins words anu apologise.

DeleiKlant was clmrged with proceeding over the intersection of khyber Pass and Symonds Street before receiving a signal from a traffic officer. He denied the charge, and gave evidence in tiie witness oox. He said i/e did not commit a breach of the bylaw's, although he admitted that the traffic officer who reported him was one of the'most reliable in the council’s employ.

After leaving the box, the motorist, who was finer! £1 and costs, went over to thte traffic officer and told him that lie was a “first-class liar.’’

The ; .. officer reported what was said to Mr George Hogan, chief traffic inspector.' Mr Hogan then mentioned the'matter to the Magistrate, Air W. saying that he took strong exception to such a remark being made to one of his men. ;

.The Magistrate immediately ordered defendant to stand up and withdraw - ttie .remark, and also to apologise to the traffic man. This the defendant refused lo do. ..“Do you hear my .instructions?” said Mr. M’Kean. ... .. . ; “Yes,” replied the motorist. . “Well, obey them,” said Air Al’Kean. The motorist’s counsel persuaded I client to withdraw the remark, and to apologise. “I. withdraw it, but I still think lie’l- - liar,” he said. Air Al’Kean : That is not the manner in which it has to be done. Yon must withdraw the remark made, and also apologise. The motorist, after further persuasion by counsel, reluctantly and hesitatingly apologised.