CAR CONVERSION

Hokitika Guardian, 23 August 1933, Page 7

CAR CONVERSION

HEAVIER PENALTIES URGED

VIEWPOINT OF MOTORISTS

AUCKLAND, August 19

Heavier penalties for persons unlawfully converting motor-cars to their own use were urged at the annual conference of the North Island Motor Union, yesterday. The vice-president i of the union, Dr E. E. Porritt, , sugi gested a severe birching should be | included in the penalty. “In many I cases youths are responsible for the trouble, and I consider severe birchiugs for offenders would go a long way toward stampng out the nuisance,” ; he said. I The lack of facilities to enable the Auckland police to pursue stolen cars was pointed out by Mr E. G. Farrell (Auckland). He said he understood that in Auckland the police did not have one ear which they could use when a case of car conversion was reported. Sometimes they had to pursue a stolen vehicle in either a taxi or a private motor. “In Dunedin owners of fast cars cooperate with the police most satisfactorily,” remarked Mr J. L. Passmore, president of the Otago Motor Club. A short time ago when a car was stolen II cars .arrived 'at the police station within eight minutes and the stolen vehicle was quickly -recovered. The police had the addresses of a number of owners‘ whom they could call upon for assistance in this way. “A similar system might well be 'adapted fin "other parts of the Dominion.” Mr Passmore added.

“The union has been making strong and’ repeated representations te the Government to have penalties increased,” said the president, Mr W. A. O’Callaghan. Numerous conferences had been held, but so far ' little progress bad been made.

The opinion that it would be better to urge the infliction of the maximum penalty under the, present law rather than to seek increased penalties was expressed by Mr N. R,. Bain (Wanganui). “If the penalties were increased car conversion cases would be tried before a. jury and it would be found that frequently the offenders would be acquitted. He did no.t intend the statement to be 'a. general indictment of juries, but some found difficulty in convicting,in certain cases.' ' “A case should be judged on. its merits,” commented Mr'G. W. Hutchison (Auckland).

The president of the South Island Union, Mr F. W, Johnston; said the idea that juries would not Convict in motor conversion cases‘ was a bogey. He-said if more magistrates’ cars were stolen heavier penalties' l would be imposed! (Laughter). K