MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 August 1941, Page 7

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

BUSINESS AT MASTERTON SITTING WARNING TO MOTORISTS. LEVEL CROSSING ACCIDENTS. The fortnightly sitting of the Masterton Magistrate's Court was held today. Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M., was on the Bench. “I wish is to be known to the public that I view these cases very seriously. The reason why I usually impose heavy fines is simply to protect motorists from being killed,” said Mr Lawry in fining Robert Meikle £5 and 10s costs for having driven over a railway crossing when a train was approaching within half a mile, on July 21. “Had the defendant been in Palmerston North I would have imposed a heavy penalty. Three years ago twelve people were killed in Palmerston North through level crossing accidents. In view of the fact that few cases have been brought before me in this district I will make the fine less,” said Mr Lawry. Constable N. Bach said the defend- 1 ant pulled up at the level crossing at Lincoln Road at 10.20. The red danger disc was showing and the warning bell was ringing. However, after looking towards the train, which was near the bridge, the defendant crossed the line. The train would then be about 150 yards away. Had his car stalled he would have been in a dangerous position. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, denied that the train was as' close as stated by the constable. In reply to Mr Lawry he said that he could not agree that the train was within half a mile. Arising out of an accident at the intersection of Dixon Street and Worksop Road in which a pedestrian was knocked down, Ellen Monica Falk was fined £1 and 10s costs on a charge of having driven without due care and attention. Senior Sergeant G. A. Doggett prosecuted. Mr J. Macfarlane Laing appeared for the defendant. He pointed out that the pedestrian was walking diagonally across the intersection and owing to another car crossing the intersection his client's vision had been obscured. Mr Lawry said that the pedestrian had been somewhat at fault. F. W. Wilton was charged with having operated a motor cycle at Te Whiti on August 26 which was not registered and carried an incorrect indication disc. The defendant was fined £3 and 3s costs and £1 and 3s costs respectively. Walton White was fined £1 and 10s costs for having operated a motor vehicle which carried a load which extended further behind the rear wheels than provided for in the regulations. CIVIL BUSINESS. Judgment for plaintiff by default was given in the following undefended civil claim: J. Watson & Co. v B. F. Ferrier, claim £5 5s 9d, costs £1 10s 6d.