MAGISTRATE'S COURT, CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1077, 19 October 1901, Page 2

MAGISTRATE'S COURT, CAMBRIDGE.

(Yesterday.— Before Mr H. W. North' croft, S.M ) CYCLING ON FOOTPATH. Arnold Wilkinson. E. B. Ifyi, H, L. Nixon, J. Russell, J, Cowley, anti J. White were charged with riding bicycle on the footpath in Duke-street on the 29th of September. The three first appeared and Mr Wilkinson apologised for the absence ot the others who lived a long distance out of town, and stated that they had all agreed to plead guilty. The Magistrate said the charges would have to be proved against those who did not appear. A difficulty was thus created as the Constable who laid the information was stationed at Hamilton and was not present as the accused had given him notice that they would plead guilty in order to save expense. Mr A, Wilkinson was then sworn and gave evidence of the offence having been committed by those absent. The Magistrate said he knew that many cyclists were in the habit of scaring people by riding close to them on the footpath In some places riding on the footpaths had I ecome such a nuisance that the inhabitants had ‘sown’ lacks opioite their properties. He thought the best way was to put a stick throught the wheel and bring it and its rider to grief.—Mr Wilkinson said they were not a parcel of larrikins, but respectable townspeople going for a ilde, and though they were avoid trouble by keeping out of Tie way of buggies and horsemen,—The Magistrate sa dit was setting a bad example for shopkeepers to break the by-laws; if they did such things what could be expected from the larrikins. He intended putting the nuisance down, and to this end would increase the fine each time a case came before him. In this case there appeared to be some extenuating circumstances, so they would each only be fined 2s, and 7s 4d costs. —Mr Wilkinson asked the Court

if d livers were not compelled to give ; cyclist* their fair share of the road. His experience was that drivers would not give way an inch to cyclists.—His Worship said it was customary for the lighter vehicle to give way, just as a man would to a lady. FURIOUS HIDING. Henry Newcombe and H, Allen were charged with furious riding, and Newcombe was further charged with knocking Charles Denton down and riding over him.—Denton gave evidence that he belonged to the (Salvation Army, and was walking with others on Shakespeare Road, when they were ridden into by two horsemen. They were going at a hard gallop.—The Magistrate considered the charge of furious riding not proved, and dismissed the case,