MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 August 1938, Page 8

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

FORTNIGHTLY MASTERTON . SITTING POLICE AND BY-LAW CASES Mr H. P. 'Lawry, S.M., presided at the fortnightly sitting of the Masterton Magistrate’s Court, held this morning. “It is a far worse crossing than some they are building ramps over,” remarked Mr Lawry, when: fining J. Leonard Beder £4 and 10s costs for attempting to cross the Renall Street level crossing when the line was not clear. “The crossing at Opaki,” added Mr Lawry “is much more open than the one at Renall Street. For riding a motor-cycle not equipped with an effective silencer, Albert Thomas Bannister was fined 10s and 10s costs. Riding bicycles at night without being equipped with sufficient-lights cost John Remine, Keith Andrews, Thomas Lyttle and Frank Roys,'- 10s and 10s costs. On similar charges Oswald Clif-’' ford Cardno was fined-£1 and 10s costs, and Tiki Remine was fined 10s and 11s costs. - For having no red rear , reflector on a bicycle Oswald Clifford Cardno was fined 10s and 10s costs.

“lhe regulations regarding lights bn bicycles at night are not to stop you from knocking someone down, but to prevent you from being knocked down,” Mr Lawry told one of the offenders, and in the case of another suggested that in its road safety campaign, the Transport Department might take up the question of rear reflectors. Rear reflectors could now be obtained equipped with batteries. There was no reason for cyclists to take the risks they did. Charged with driving, a motorcar without due care and attention, Walter Hodge was fined £2 and 18s costs. “I will make the fine light,” remarks Mr Lawry, “because if the cyclist knocked down had had his rear mudguard properly painted white you probably would have seen him.” A white mudguard could be seen better than a red reflector. r.