At H. M. Police Court on Wednesday, Mr, E. E. Fresson was summoned for using car No, 3227 without a licence, and with failing to produce a driver's permit when requested to do so by the police.
Mr. R. C. Faithfull appeared prosecute.
It appeared that the car had been reported in connexion with some alleged infringement of rules, and the police then discovered that it had changed ownership. Instructions were given that a look out should be kept for it, and on the night of the 9th instant P. C. Watson saw defendant in the car in Haining Road, and he was thea unable to produce either licence or permit.
Defendant explained that after having purchased the car in September, he had not used it for six weeks, it being under repair. When he wanted to use it, he found the Tax Office was closed for the Races and he was unable to take out a licence. He did so. however, on the Thursday after the races. He contended that it was not necessary to take out a licence for the period during which the car was in the garage.
His Worship:—Do they allow for "broken periods"
Inspector Maguire:—I think some reduction is made.
His Worship:—Was_ the Tax Office closed altogether during Race days?
Defendant:—I went at 10 o'clock and was informed that they were shut. I took out a licence on Thursday last, in the meantime i forming the police that I should use the car on the Wednesday.
Mr. Faithfull:—That is the case for the prosecution.
His Worship:—What is your case? Defendant has explained why he did not have a licence. I am rather surprised that licences are issued for "broken periods." I do not see of what offence defendant is guilty. He' did not use the car during October, and when he did use it and went to get a licence the Office was shut. And you have charged him with failing to produce a driver's permit, contrary to the conditions of a licence which he did not possess. The case must be dismissed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.