When Major-General H. W. Grimwade, of Frankston, and Donald Speed, of Spencer street, Melbourne, were each charged in the Chelsea Court yesterday with having driven a motor-car on Point Nepean road at a speed dangerous to the public on June 26 Major-General Grimwade gave evidence In Speed's defence.
Each was fined £5. In fining Major-General Grimwade, Mr. McLean, P.M., said it was a pity to spoil his excellent record as a driver.
Constable William Reid said that at 12.45 p.m. on June 26 he followed Major-General Grimwade's car, which passed through Edithvale at 55 miles an hour and through Chelsea at 52 miles an hour, after which it accelerated to about 60 miles an hour.
Major-General Grimwade, who pleaded not guilty, told the Court that his speed was never more than between 45 and 50 miles an hour. There were no crossroads and no traffic, and he could have stopped the car in a very short distance if necessary. He had been driving along Point Nepean road eight or 10 times a week for many years and had never been stopped before.
Giving evidence against Speed, Constable W. Wright said that Speed's car was driven from Aspendale to Chelsea at speeds between 52 and 60 miles an hour.
Speed, who pleaded not guilty, said that his speed had not exceeded 55 miles an hour. Going through Chelsea when Major-General Grlmwade's car had passed him before being stopped by the police his speed was only 35 miles an hour. His car had super-hydraulic brakes and was under perfect control.
Major-General Grimwade told the Court that he had been driving behind Speed's car and had been stopped by the police at the same time as Speed. At no time had Speed travelled at more than what he considered was 55 miles an hour.
Source: Trove The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Tuesday 2 August 1938