Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 01 Jun 1932
Page 2 Column 6
TAUNTON POLICE-COURT.
MOTOR PATROL PROSECUTION.
COSTLY OVERLOADING OF A LORRY.
WEDNESDAY. - Before Mr. T. S. PENNY (chairman), Mrs. C. MINETT, Dr. R. Liddon MEADE KING, and Mr. G. REX.
NO MIRROR.
George Anstey TARR, farmer, of Holcombe Farm, Fitzhead, was fined 5s for driving a motor-car not equipped with a reflecting mirror on May 14th. He told P.C. HALSE, who stopped him, “I did not know I had to have a mirror. I will get one fitted immediately.”
OVERLOADED STEAM LORRY.
Charles Henry MITCHELL, motor driver, of Rose Cottage, Carlingcott, was summoned for not complying with the regulations as to the laden weight of a heavy motor vehicle at Taunton on May 12th, and his employers, John Baker & Sons, contractors, of Broadway Garage, Chilcompton, were summoned for permitting the vehicle to be so used. The defendants pleaded guilty.
P.C. FERMOR said he was on motor patrol duty in East-street, in company with P.C. WATTS, when they saw a steam lorry proceeding towards Corporation-street. It appeared to be well over-laden. They followed it to the Gasworks, and saw it weighed on the weighbridge. The total weight of 16 tons 17 cwts. was 4 tons 17 cwts. over the permitted weight of 12 tons. MITCHELL handed in a ticket showing that the total weight when the vehicle left the colliery was 16 tons 18 cwt. Asked to account for the overloading, MITCHELL replied, “I cannot help it. I am told to take a load.” Witness added that the lorry had solid rubber tyres, and was fitted with side-boards above the ordinary body.
MITCHELL told the magistrates, “You can never judge the weight until you get on the weighbridge. The coal on this day was very wet.”
The defendant BAKER said he disliked overloading not only because it got them into trouble, but also because it was detrimental to the lorry and tyres.
Supt. FRY stated that MITCHELL had been convicted on twelve occasions for offences in connection with heavy motor-cars, the last time being on September 29th, 1931, at Shepton Mallet, when he was fined £4 for driving a vehicle not maintained in such a condition as to prevent the emission of smoke. The defendants BAKER were before their Worships on the 4th inst., when they were fined £2 in each of two cases for permitting their steam lorry to be overloaded.
MITCHELL was fined £1 and costs, and BAKER £4 and costs.
The Clerk pointed out to BAKER that the total fines now payable amounted to £10.
BAKER expressed surprise that the previous fines had not been paid, remarking, “I never do any office work. I will see that the money is sent immediately I get back.”
“You know the alternative,” said the Clerk.
ALLEGATION NOT PROVED.
Mabel Alice OATEN, of 89, Lambrook-road, alleged acts of persistent cruelty against her husband, William OATEN, and applied for a separation and maintenance order. Mr. R. W. YOUNG, solicitor, Taunton, represented the husband, who denied the complaint. - After hearing Mrs. OATEN and two other witnesses, the Bench decided, without calling upon the defence, to dismiss the case.
<NOTES: Mabel Alice PAUL daughter of John PAUL and Mary Maria SPENCE, married William OATEN>