BLOCKING THE ROAD

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3635, 7 May 1927, Page 3

BLOCKING THE ROAD

MOTOR DRIVER CONVICTED. At yesterday’s S.M. Court, before Mr. J. L. Stout, S.M., W. F. Kearney, motor lorry driver, of Palmeston North, was charged by the Manawatu County Council Traffic Inspector (Mr William Berry), with drawing a motor lorry on the Himatangi-Rangiotu road in such a manner as not to leave a reasonable portion of the road for motorists to pass.

Mr. A. N. MeCauley, farmer, of Bainesse, gave evidence to the effect that on the 6th April he was retarding to Bainesse from the Oroua Downs sports, when he overtook a motor lorry. He sounded his horn and attempted to pass the vehicle, but the driver pulled over and refused to allow him to do so. He next attempted to pass on the wrong side, but was blocked again. This occurred off several occasions, the lorry zig-zagging across the road at each attempt. After about two miles the lorry speeded up and went ahead, the driver waving his hand as he did so. Witness thought accused had a girl in the cab with him.

Mr. W. Berry said he had interviewed defendant, who admitted he had been driving a lorry on the road on that'date, but offered no excuse for his conduct, The defendant was not present, but he was represented by the manager of the firm he worked for, who said that the lorry was very large and it was possible his employee did not hear or see the approaching motorist.

The S.M. said that there was a mirror attached to the lorry which would enable the driver to see approaching traffic. The manager was not able to tell the Court if the drivel’ had a lady companion in the cab. Defendant would be convicted and fined £2 with costs £2.