1915-07-10od

“The unquenchable thirst of Reginald Milne, broker’s agent, who resides on Mount Hamilton, has earned for him a vacation of six months at Castle Ogilvie.”

Hamilton Spectator.      July 10, 1915.

For the third time in as many months, Reg Milne was in deep trouble with the police as, on July 10, 1915,  he was yet again  in the Hamilton Police Court, facing a charge of operating his automobile after drinking very heavily :

The Hamilton Police Magistrate was very familiar with Reg Milne and was not prepared to treat him with patience once more.

The evidence presented indicated that Milne decided to deal with some problems he was having with his motor license :

“Last evening, he drove to the central station to have the trouble remedied. Detectives Shirley and Smith, getting an airing in the window of Inspector Campbell’s office, saw an auto weaving and swaying, from side to side as it whizzed down Mary street.

“Just before the station was reached, the car climbed up on the sidewalk. Knowing Milne’s past record, the detectives hiked for the street and took him into custody.

“Detective Shirley whiffed his breath, and decided that he had been drinking.”¹

¹ “Reginald Milne Severely Punished by Magistrate”

Hamilton Spectator.   July 10, 1915.

Speaking to the magistrate, Milne said, “I had just four drinks yesterday, and I was just as sober as I am now, and was perfectly capable of looking after the automobile.”¹

Milne’s lawyer, Hugh McKenna, argued to the police magistrate that as his client was able to drive to the police station, he could not have been drunk.

The magistrate would not entertain the lawyer’s argument :

“ ‘He’s a dangerous man, and the public has to be protected. After the fine and the warning he got last time, I did not think he would ever take another drink or look at another automobile. I’d much rather have it said that I was severe than that I was too easy, and I’m compelled to send him to jail for six months and confiscate the auto,’ was the magistrate’s reply.”¹