STRUCK BY CAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 23, 28 January 1938, Page 11

STRUCK BY CAR

CYCLIST'S DEATH

COLLISION AT NIGHT

A finding that Edward Terence Morris, tramway motorman, aged 46, died in Wellington on January »11, 193.Q, from multiple injuries received through colliding with a motor-car driven by George Low, when riding a motorcycle into Thorndon, was given by the Coroner,, Mr. E. Gilbertson, after an inquest today. Sub-Inspector J. A. Dempsey conducted the inquest. Mr. C. A. L. Treadwell appeared fpr the driver of the car, and Mr. O. C. Mazengarb for the relatives of- the deceased. Mrs. E. T. Morris, wife of the deceased, said her husband had ridden a motor-cycle for some years, and was a proficient and careful driver. Drs. J. D. Willis and P. P. Lyncn also gave evidence. Dr. Lynch, who is pathologist at the Wellington Public Hospital, said that the injuries were consistent with Morris being carried some distance by a motor vehicle, and being crushed between the car and the road. Multiple injuries could be caused by a direct blow from a car. Phillip Wallace Vautier,^ surveyor, employed by the Wellington City Council, produced plans of the locality, and gave evidence as. to the position of marks ori the roadway. . EYE-WITNESS'S STORY. George Andrew Hopkins, apprentice, said that about 11.45 p.m.. on January 10 he was approaching the junction of Tinakori Road and Thorndon Quay. He was riding along the cycle track of the Hutt Road. He saw a car coming along on its right side, but nearer the centre of the road, with its lights functioning. Then he heard a crash, heard the sound of brakes being applied, and saw the car travel broadside on into a galvanised iron fence. When he reached the scene, he saw a motorcycle under one of the front wheels of the car, and hard against the kerb. Morris was tmconscious when extricated. Witness saw that the car's hand-brake was on. : '■■ George Herbert Dutch, who was walking near the scene of the accident, said that he saw a motor-cycle travelling across Thorndon "Quay towards Tinakori Road, apparently from the railway yards. A car struck the cycle and carried it for some distance. The car appeared to be travelling fairly quickly. No warning device was sounded. The motor-cycle headlamp was burning. The speed of the vehicle would be about 10 m.p.h. Randall Martin Holmes, bus driver, said that when about 40 yards .distant from the intersection he saw the deceased's motor-cycle •; travelling , about 10 m.p.h. across Thorndon Quayl He also saw the headlights of the car as it "came round a . stationary tramcar. Then one of the lights blacked out as if the cycle had passed in front of it. W'tness heard a crash, and the sound oi the cycle being dragged. He concentrated on pulling his bus.up, and when he went back found the deceased in an unconscious condition under the car, which had crashed through an iron fence on the southern side of the intersection. TURNED ACROSS ROAD. Frederick Henry Dean, shed foreman, employed by the Tramways Department, said that the collision occurred about 60 paces ahead of him. He saw the car go past him at from 35 to 40 miles per hour. ii. motor-cycle was turning out of the sheds, ridden by - a tramway motorman going off duty. The cycle turned slowly across the road. He could not say whether it was lighted, but the-ear had its lights burning. Speaking through an interpreter, George Low, a fruitshop assistant, said that he was driving the car on his way to Petone. Opposite the tram sheds a motor-cycle was ridden ■ across the road from behind, a stationary tramcai\ As soon as he saw it, he put his brakes on. He was then only six or seven feet away, and as he struck he pulled to the left. The car came to rest within 30 feet. His brakes did not stop. his car very suddenly. Witness was a qualified trade driver. That night he had driven from the Kilbirnie carnival. When he first saw the cycle it was only .8 to 10 feet away, and it would be about two feet behind the back of the tram.

Umberto Primo Calcinai, of the Traffic Office, gave evidence as to the condition of the two vehicles after the accident. The car was in good order, and had a certificate of fitness.. The brake-lihirigs were worn, but the brakes acted well when tested. The speedometer lagged »little behind the actual speed. Constable Davis, who attended the scene of the accident, said that the driver stated'that he was, not driving a', more than 20 m.p.h. Constable Anniss gave evidence as to measurements. . . .\ •■ "There appears to be a grave doubt as to where the tramcar was standing," commented the Coroner. ,