MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1929, Page 7

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

GREYMGUTH, June 18. At the Magistrates Court yesterday the business included : GROSSING COLLISION. A plea of guilty was entered by Henry Langridge, who was charged with crossing the railway line at Albert Street, Greymoutli, when the line was not clear. The case was the •sequel to a collision bewcen an engine and Langridge’s car. Defendant said that lie was watching another engine, and did not notice the engine that struck the car until it was too late to avoid a collision^ The Senior-Sergeant saicl that there was only one engine in the vicinity at the time, and evidence to this effect Mas given by C. J. Rodgers, the fireman. Langridge was convicted and fined £l, with 15s costs. DANGEROUS DRIVING. Charged with failing to report n motor accident, and with dangerous driving, John Burt, a young labourer of Blackball pleaded not guilty. • The Senior Sergeant said that about 6.80. p.m. on April 13, "William Messer and his wife and family were on the road near Dobson. One child was walking, and the other was in a gocart. They heard a motor-cycle approaching behind them, and moved to the left, to give it plenty of room. They looked around again, and found that the cycle was coming straight at them. Messer called out to warn his wife, and pushed the go-cart into the rushes at the roadside. Airs Messer, however was struck by the cycle, and dragged along, being rendered unconscious 'Flic cyclist stopped, and Messer took the number, 19—685. He then asked the rider, of whom he did not take particular notice, to go for Dr, Raines. He said he would do sc but did not return, and the Doctor was not called.

Evidence was given by William Messer, who said his wife received injuries to her shoulder and back, and had her lip cut.

Catherine Messer said that she did not hear the horn sounded.

Traffic Inspector A. J.'Sloss stated that tlie marks showed the woman to have been dragged 23ft across the road.

•Sergeant . Smyth, Constable Corcoan and Constable Conway, also gave evidence, the latter stating that defendant was in possession of a motor cvcle, bearing the same number, 19—685, as that taken by Messer. Burt denied striking any woman on the road and said he know nothing about the accident. The front forks of the cycle were broken, but Burt declared that had occurred some time previously. Giving evidence in his own defence Burt said that ho returned to Blackball on the night of April 13, but. did no meet with an accident, and did not promise anyone to go for a docJ m\ He did not pass anyone near Dobson, so far as he knew. The Senior-Sergeant crossexamined Burt, but failed to secure any definite replies, whereupon the S.M. said that the cross-examination need not continue.

Mr McCathy said that Burt we* only a young boy, and lie seemed to have “got the wind up” considerabk after the accident. Mr McCathy said ho admitted that motorists must take precautions However., Burt had no 4 been able to realise the consequences of his action.

The S.M. said that it would have been hotter for Burt to have beer’ frank about the matter. He may have “<rot the wind up” about the whole thing.but that was no excuse for committing perjury. On the charge of not reporting the accident, he would he convicted and fined £l, with IDs costs. On the charge of dangerous? driving lie could not lie let off with a small fine. He had added to his offence by coming into tlie witnessbox and committing perjury. There was no doubt that he had driven in a dangerous manner, and had done considerable damage. It might have been a much more serious maiter than it had turned out to lie. He would be convicted and fined £5, with 16s Court costs, and £1 3s 4d witnesses’ expenses ,nnd his license would be suspended for three months. Burt was allowed 14 days for payment.