POLICE COURT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4948, 8 March 1926, Page 2

POLICE COURT.

PAEROA SITTING.

(Before Mr J. H. Salinon, SM)

INTOXICATED DRIVERS.

At the Paeroa Police court this mprning Dick Tarau was charged with, on February 13 last, driving a motor-car while in a state of intoxication along Thames-Hikutaia Road. A second charge of driving in a negligent manner was also preferred against the defendant, who pleaded guilty to both charges. Constable McClinchy stated that defendant had a driver’s license. He had, driven a party from Thames, and had taken diink at Thames and had also called in at the various hotels en route. The car was licensed to carry passengers, and a woman and two small children had got; out at Puriri becausle of the Way defendant was driving. The car was being driven very fast, and defendant appeared to be travelling all over the road.

His Worship said that"as it was a first offence,'defendant would be convicted and fined £10? and his license would be suspended for 12 months;. On the second charge defendant was convicted and ordered to pay 00818 amounting to £2 3s. AS fortnight , was allowed in which to pay the money, in default .two month#’ imprisonment in Auckland Gaol.

Charles Wallace, bushman, Richmond Street, Thames, wasj charged with, on February 5, while in a state of intoxication, driving .a motor-car on the Paeroa-Hikutaia main road. A charge of negligent driving, and also a third charge of failing to report an accident to the police in which a man named David Rumble was injured at Komata and his motorcycle damaged were laid. A ! plea of guilty to all charges was entered.. ' Constable McClinchy stated that defendant? and four other, young men - were . returning from Thames, to Waihi. They had had several drinks at Thames', and alsfcj 'further drinks en route. A quantity of liquor was also found in the car. The vehicle was driven on the wrong side of the road in an erratic manner, with the result that a collision with the man Rumble on a motor-cycle occurred. His Worship said that he was compelled to . view the offences seriously., Had it been a second charge he would not have hesitated to send the offender to gaol. Defendant would be convicted and fined £lO and 17s costs bn -’ the first charge, and his license cancelled for 12 months. On the second charge he would be convicted and fined £5, and 7& costs, and on the third charge convicted and fined £l, and costs 7s. Defendant was allowed 28 days in; which to pay the fines, in default two months’ imprisonment. ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. John Quinliv,an, contractor, Paeroa, was charged with using insulting language to Ticket Inspector Barjow while in the execution of his duty at Paeroa on February 8. . . Constable McClinchy stated that defendant was returning to Paeroa from Molrrinsville, and when asked to produce his ticket he could not 'find it, and used the language complained .of.'

Mr E. W. Porritt,) tor defendant, said that the ticket was- later found in the lining of his waist coat pocket. Defendant was very excited at the time. He had had some drink, and later on, when told of the language used, had gone along and apologised to the railway

His Warphip said that in view of an apology having been tendered he would be convicted and fined £2, with costs amounting, to 7s.