TRAFFIC CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1932, Page 7

TRAFFIC CASE

USE. OF DEMONSTRATION PLATES.

TEM.UK A, February 16

At the Ternuka Court to day, the Magistrate (Mr C. R. Oir-Walker) gave his reserved judgment in the case of the Traffic Inspector v. Rosevear, of the Colonial Motor Company, in which defendant was charged with driving a motor-lorry with demonstration plates attached, and carrying oils and spare parts. '['lie facts were admitted, but the defence alleged that the vehicle was only used for the purposes of the business of the employer, who was the owner and a dealer in motor vehicles, and that the demonstration plates were lawful. Section 18 (8), n s amended, provided “That any dealer ill motor vehicles may use such on any road notwithstanding that it is not registered and the vehicle is held only for the purposes of the business of the owner as a denier.” At all times the plates were attached. The employers were the Colonial Motor Company and the lorry was driven to Ashburton to cany and deliver drums of oil.

The Magistrate held that a motor vehicle was not exempt Irom registration except when used in that part of a business which covered the dealing in motor vehicles and was not exempt if it was being ms <1 i" any other part of his business. In the case Police v. Kllis, which wus a parallel one the judgment covered that also. In hot,h cases a conviction was recorded and 10s costs allowed.