A NOVEL CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1930, Page 6

A NOVEL CASE

CONVICTIONS FOR IUDING ON PETROL WAGGON. NELSON, Oct. 18. Probably the first 'case of its kind in New Zealand was Heard at tl,ie Magistrate’s Court by Mr T. E. ManusoH, S.M., when three men were charged with riding on a petrol tank waggon, not being in charge, nor authorised persons employed by the owner, iiO| inspectors appointed under the Expio sives' and Danger cup Goods Act. The driver of the waggon was charged with permitting the men to ride on the tanker.

.The evidence showed that three men who had left the relief works at Tophouse had walked 16 miles on their way when the tank waggon ea:m along. It was raining hard at the time, and the driver responded to their call for a “lift” and brought them into Nelson. However, one ot the men was “wanted” by the police, and the fact o>f his arrest brought about the charges.

Senior-Sergdant Butler explained that under the Act .persons- riding on such a lorry were liable to a fine of £IOO. He thought it was the first case of its kind, and he did not ask for a heavy penalty. However, the practice was dangerous, and the police, did not consider it a minor offence. He Said there was a danger of explosions^—one had been recorded—and the Government had very good reason for making the regulation. The driver of the truck said that hie had never heard of an explosion. He did not/know he was breaking the law by giving the men a ride. He asked them if they had matches, and they said “No.” The Magistrate: There should be a copy of these regulations in the cab of each waggon. Otic of the passengers spoke up that ho was sorry he had got the driver into trouble. They had walked 16 miles that day in the rain, and The Magistrate: Yes, I .understand. “Wiffl, perhaps you’ve never had that experience, sir.” said the pe.S'sengen, to the amusement of' Die Court. The Magistrate decided to record convictions against the men. Ihev were ordered to pay costs ( I.os eiich.