MOTORING UP-TO-DATE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3586, 27 July 1912, Page 2

MOTORING UP-TO-DATE.

PAVEMENT USED AS A TRACK. GISBORNE RESIDENT FINED. A case of unusual interest was heard before Mr AY. A. Barton yesterday, when AA’illiam Henry Tucker was charged with motoring on the footpath in Aberdeen Road. Accused admitted his guilt, but pleaded not- guilty in order that the evidence might he given. C. J. Scott, laborer, said that on the 17th July he heard a motor ear coming behind him on the Aberdeen Road footpath. As the car passed he spoke to the defendant, saying “You’ll get into it for tiiis.” Defendant, replied “If I go out there I’ll get into it.” ' Accused cross-examined witness, and some heated words were spoken. Defendant, proceeding, said that on the day in question lie and Mr Holden visited the public hospital, and on returning the Aberdeen Road was in a shocking state. They went along it as far as possible, and then turned on to the footpath for a few chains until the road became better. Eventually the road became too bad. and they had to leave the car, it ultimately being towed back by. an express. Thomas Holden said it was impossible to get along the road ; they drove along the footpath for a few chains and went on to the' road as soon as possible. Defendant addressed the Court at some length. He said there was no passable road, and contended that it was a case in which the footpath could be used when the road was impassable. No damage was done to anybody, and no damage was done to the footpath. He thought the witness Scott had shown considerable bias when giving his evidence. He and his companion were performing a public service, and lie thought the Court should either dismiss the case or inflict a nominal penalty. His Worship said it was clear that defendant had driven along the footpath, and if motorists were to bo allowed to use the footpath, even when the roads were bad, it would be unsafe for pedestrians, and they would have to take the roads. Defendant would be fined £l. with costs 15s.