DRUNKEN MOTORIST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 31, 7 February 1939, Page 9

DRUNKEN MOTORIST

LICENCE CANCELLED AND FINED MAGISTRATE’S COURT James McClintock, labourer, was fined £lO in the Wanganui Magistrate’s Court yesterday for being intoxicated while in charge of a motor vehicle. John W. Anderson, medical practitioner, said he examined McClintock and found that he was so under the influence of alcohol as to be unfit to be in charge of a car. Police evidence showed that in co-nsequence of a complaint received on Saturday night McClintock was

found sitting behind the wheel of a motor-car parked in Taupo Quay. The car lights were out and there was another person in the car. McClintock admitted driving to Wanganui from Fordell where he had had some drinks. He was unsteady on his feet when walking to the police station and burst into tears while waiting fo; the doctor to arrive. Mr. H. M. Keesing, who appeare; for McClintock, said that McClintock had lost an eye in an accident. He used the motor-car to go back and forth to Fordell, where he was employer as a labourer on Public Works. He was a married man with a young family. “I doubt whether a man with one eye should have a licence, apart from the offence,” said the magistrate, Mr. J. H. Salmon. “If he is going to take liquor it makes it impossible. In view of the fact that he has a wife and young family and is earning ;. comparatively small wage, he will L convicted and fined £lO and costs, bin I must cancel his licence for I? months. It would be much wiser for him to get rid of his car.” Asked for more than one month in which to find the money the magistrate said he would allow a month “If he sells his motor-car he can pni the fine,” added Mr. Salmon.