DISTURBING A VOLUNTEER CORPS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8392, 8 April 1907, Page 5

DISTURBING A VOLUNTEER CORPS.

By TelegrapTi—Press Association.

AUCKLAND, April 5. A somewhat unusual, case came before Mr R. W. Dyer, S.M., in the Police Court to-day, when James Symons, a 'bus driver, was charged with furious driving at lakapuna, and with committing a breach of the Defence Act, by disturbing a volunteer corps on parade. Defendant admitted the charges, but added that he could not help what he had done, as it was in the, interests of the safety of his passengers. Lieut.-Colonel Reed, officer commanding the troops in question, was called as a witness. He said there was nothing to prevent Symons from driving on the metalled part of the road. The troops were ori the soft part of tho road, and defendant drove through their ranks, causing great danger to life and limb. Witness was riding in advance, and seeing the action of 'defendant he at once called out to his men to stop him. Symons turned his horses, lashed out with his whip at the volunteers, crowded the Maxim gun almost into a hedge, broke through the ranks, and also endangered the ambulance corps. His Worship said he was quite satisfied this was a deliberate act. "I suppose you fellows think it rather clever to obstruct the troops," continued Mr Dyer, "but I think you will find your fun rather expensive." For furious driving a fine of £5 and 28s costs was imposed, while for the breach of the Defence Act defendant was ordered to pay 32s costs.