A BOLTING CAR.

Shannon News, 23 July 1926, Page 2

A BOLTING CAR.

TWO IN PURSUIT. CHARGE AGAINST OWNER. “Blow came to my house and stayed for tea that evening,” said Judge Gilfedder, giving evidence in a case at Wellington, in which a friend, Reginald G. H. Blow, -estate agent, was charged with, being drunk in charge of a car. “We had been out all the afternoon doing business about a house. 1 had ordered a dozen bottles of Muscat. When I arrived home, the wine was there. 1 asked Blow to sample it with me, and lie did so. After tea, just as we were going, I suggested that lie try a ‘spot’ of whisky. There was very little in the bottle not enough to make one drunk. We liad a small drink. Blow was sober when we went out together. He had not taken any liquor at all during the afternoon. He was with me practically all the time.” Mr O’Leary told the Court he had other witnesses to call, but Mr Page, S.M., said 'he did not think it necessary. The prosecution in a case like this should prove- defendant to be intoxicated while in charge of a car. This they had not done. He had decided to dismiss the, case.

Judge Gilfedder was leaving that evening for Christchurch. Blow offered to drive him to the ferry, and host, and guest went out to the car, which was standing outside. It refused to- start properly, and while Blow was endeavouring to adjust matters it. bolted down the Terrace, the two clinging on behind and doing their best to stop it and get aboard at the same time. They were unsuccessful, and therefore, let gp and followed the vehicle in wild pursuit. The machine crashed into an electric light post, bringing it down, just as the driver and his companion were upon the vehicle. It bolted again, finally finishing up alongside another post. Judge Gilfedder had only time to grab liis bag and rush to the steamer.

Hearing the crash, l)r. Robert Stout hastened out and saw Blow at the wheel. Thinking that the driver was not in a fit state to pilot, the vehicle, he asked him to refrain, but Blow refused, and when he drove off the doctor rang-up the police. Giving evidence, the doctor considered that, defendant was not in a fit state to drive the car, but would not say he was drunk.