A CAR THAT DID NOT STOP.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1926, Page 4

A CAR THAT DID NOT STOP.

STRONG RE.MARKS BY CORONER. ASHBURTON, Afarcli 7. A motorist who did not stop knocked down a young man named .Joseph Claude Pearce, who. with a companion, was cycling from Fairfield to Ashburton. at 7.5 p.m. on Saturday. Pearce, who died from the injuries he sustained, was twenty-four years of age and was a labourer at the !• airfield Freezing Works. Deceased was riding on the left-hand side of the road with his friend, George Eysaghr. who states that they were proceeding along the main highway a little north of Mitcham Road when two cars travelling at a rapid pace approached from behind. The first catpassed all right, but the second came on towards them, then pulieJ out to the crown of the road. As the car made this manoeuvre the rear of

t.lie vehicle struck tlio scat of deceased’s bicycle and throw him off. Deceased sustained serious injuries to his head and was rendered unconscious. The car did not stop. Mr Hysaght did all he could for his injured friend until two others arrived. Hr Gaunt was .summoned and ordered the removal of the injured man to the Ashburton Hospital. l’earce, however, never regained consciousness, and died at 3 a.in. this morning.

At the Ashburton Hospital this afternoon before the District Coroner, Mr dames Cow. formal evidence of identification was given hv deceased s brother. Cyril Anton Pearce.

“I hope you will leave no stone unturned in order to find the motorist who did this thing,” said the Coroner. ‘•Whoever it is is not worthy of the name of a man. It is hard to hml words to express one’s indignation.’

“S can assure you that X will do my very best.” said Senior-Sergeant Mathieson. “I have men working between here and Ilakaia. but X hope that the public who can help us will come forward and give us whatever information they are in possession of. Especially do we want the help of people between here and Rakaia. Naturally one cannot expect the offender to como forward and put his head in a noose. Hut I hope that the public will help us. Your Worship will know how hard it is to identify ears that are flying along in a cloud of dust. There is far too much of this fast motoring and in this case it is a law, despicable action on the part of flic motorist. The mail who did it must know. Unfortunately, travelling at such a speed it is hard for anyone to have can gilt tlw number.” The inquest was adjourned sine die.