CASE AGAINST TRAIN DRIVER

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 21, 20 October 1943, Page 8

CASE AGAINST TRAIN DRIVER

Manslaughter Charge

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, October 19.

The trial began in the Supreme Court today of John Alphonsus Corcoran, driver of the train involved in the derailment near Hyde on June 4 in which 21 portions were killed. De was charged before Mr. Justice Kennedy and a jury with manslaughter. Mr. Adams represented the Crown and Mr. E. J. Anderson appeared for accused. . . Mr. Adams stated that it would not. be denied bv accused that he had had drink prior to leaving Ranfurly, though the evidence regarding the amount varied. It was a grave responsibility for one in accused's position to drink, but, drunk or sober, if he had driven the train at an excessive speed he was guilty of the crime charged. . . Oliver Joseph Doidge, district railways engineer at Dunedin, gave details of the extent of the damage done to the carriages. He was convinced that the defects in the line on the curve were not there before the accident. . “What facilities has the engine driver for adjusting the speed on these curves? Mr. Anderson asked. Witness replied that the driver had to use his judgment. As far as he knew, express engines did not have speed recorders to assist the drivers. A succession of engines travelling over a line at normal speed might cause a “kickout” or cant on the line. It this condition were present at a speed on a curve of 35 miles an hour there was a risk of derailment. The hearing was adjourned till tomorrow.