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The Wells Journal. Somerset and West of England Advertiser Friday 24 Jun 1921
Page 4 Column 3
AXBRIDGE PETTY SESSIONS.
Monday. - Before Messrs. C. L. F. EDWARDS (in the chair), E. ASHBY, W. J. H. PORTER, and Dr. R. W. STATHAM
SPEED OF CHAR-A-BANCS.
DRIVERS FINED.
The Bench were occupied for a considerable time in hearing cases brought against a number of motor char-a-banc drivers for exceeding the speed limit of 12 miles an hour.
Dr. GREY prosecuted in all the cases for the police, and the solicitors defending were Mr. G. D. WANSBOROUGH, Mr. ATCHLEY, Mr. H. Comer TEEK, and Mr. E. J. CORNISH. The facts were identical in all cases, the measured quarter of a mile, the police at either end with watches, and then the stopping of the defendants as they emerged fro the trap into which they had sped at 16, 17, or 18 miles an hour.
Dr. GREY opened with facts common to all the cases, spoke of the destruction to the roads which were now so expensive to keep up, and of the danger to the public, who must be protected against these excessive speeds. The advocates for the various defendants were unanimous in their condemnation of the present regulations, and said a speed of 12 miles at the present day was absurd and an anachronism.
The first case taken was that of Hastings Garnett Everlyn VOWLES, 23, Jubilee-road, Fishponds, Bristol, who was summoned for driving a motor char-a-banc at a speed exceeding 12 miles an hour on the Bristol-road, Burnham Without, on May 28th. He was further summoned for a like offence on the Bristol-road, Winscombe, on June 1st.
Mr. WANSBOROUGH defended, and after the police had given their evidence that defendant was going at a speed of 20 miles an hour, Mr. E. T. TAYLOR, Town Clerk of Bristol, was called for the defence. He was a passenger in the car, and admitted urging defendant to go a bit faster. He was going to a bowls match at Burnham.
Mr. WANSBOROUGH said he must plead guilty to a technical offence. In the old days they had to pay £4 a year for the use of the road,s now they had to pay £60 for each vehicle.
In the second case the police stated that defendant was going 18 miles an hour.
The next case taken was that of Fredk. John JONAS, motor driver, of 290, North-street, Bedminster, Bristol, who was summoned for driving a motor char-a-banc through Winscombe on the 21st May at a speed exceeding the maximum speed of 12 miles an hour. This case was adjourned from the last court, and now there was another summons against him for a like offence at Burnham Without, on the 28th May.
Mr. CORNISH defended.
The speeds alleged were 17 miles an hour.
The other defendants were Ernest Albert OATEN, 106 Ashley-road, Bristol (Mr ATCHLEY defended); Chas. PARSONS, Sidmouth Cottage, Carlton-street, Weston-super-Mare, who pleaded guilty, the offence being on the Bristol-road, Winscombe, on the 1st June.
Henry Thomas BABB, Victoria-terrace, Alcombe, Minehead; Robert STARK 28, Bampton-street, Minehead; Herbert Geo. PARKER, 53, Albion-street, Exmouth; William ANDREWS, 180, Taunton-road, Bridgwater (motor lorry); all on Bridgwater-road, Weare, 1st June. Mr. TEEK appeared for ANDREWS.
Geo. Lorenzo BUTT, 14, Angus-road, Bristol; Walter WICKS, 9, Sandford-road, Weston-super-Mare; Percy Ralph CARTER, motor car proprietor, 6, Melbourne-road, Weston-super-Mare, all similar offences on the Cheddar-road, Cheddar, on the 4th June.
Arthur Edward POWELL, Bell View, Clifton, was also summoned for exceeding a speed of 12 miles an hour on the Bristol-road, Winscombe, on the 1st June, and he was further summoned for driving without a licence.
Mr. TEEK appeared for defendant in both cases, and pleaded guilty for not having a licence. Defendant was fined 5s.
The Bench retired to consider their decision, and on their return the Chairman said “We have come to the conclusion that we will treat you all alike and fine each one of you £5 in each case, and we will also allow an advocate's fee of half-a-guinea in each case.”
A FLOCK ASTRAY.
William BUTT, farmer, of Compton Bishop, was summoned for allowing 64 sheep and lambs to stray.
Mr. TEEK appeared for defendant, and pleaded guilty.
P.C. PARSONS stated the facts and defendant was fined £1.
LIGHTLESS CAR.
Alexander BURBRIDGE, motor proprietor, of Weare, was summoned for driving a motor car at 10.25 on the night of the 30th May, without having front lights. He was further summoned for not having rear lights.
P.C. PARSONS proved both cases, and defendant was fined 10s. for each offence.
THREATENED HIS LANDLADY.
Thomas WILLIAMS, a labourer, was summoned for using threatening language towards Annie TIDBALL, of River Bank, Wedmore, with whom he lodged.
Complainant said defendant used “awful” language towards her, and threatened to throw her into the river.
There was no defence, and defendant was bound over in the sum of £5 to keep the peace for six months.
ABSENT DEFENDANT.
Sidney Adalph HORSTMANN, Onega Lodge, Bristol-road, Bath, motor car manufacturer, was summoned for driving a motor car at Blagdon in a manner dangerous to the public.
Mr. CORNISH appeared for defendant, who had been in court all the mourning, but did not appear after the adjournment, and in consequence Mr. CORNISH asked that the case might be put back till the next sessions, and this was agreed to. Defendant appeared after the court had risen.
<NOTES: Ernest Albert OATEN son of Frederick OATEN and Clara HORWOOD, married Emma Jessie CLEMENTS>