AN INDICTABLE CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1930, Page 5

AN INDICTABLE CHARGE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18. (Before W. Meldrum Esq., S.M.) Police v. Paul Holmes Renton, a charge of negligently driving a .motor car and thereby causing the death of Mary Oates. Sergeant King appeared for the Police and Mr Thomas for the accused.

Allan Hopkins, a medical practitioner at Hokitika, gave evidence. . Knew the deceased 1 Mary 1 Oates. She had been living at his.house for some time, being related to him.. S?w her on the morning of 30th October. Her health was then reasonably- good. About 2.20 p.m. that clay was called to Weld Street crossing.: Saw Mary Oates lying on the ground. After examination, ordered her immediate removal to the hospital. .She subsequently died' two hours afterwards,' as the result of shock resulting from the accident.- '■ '* • James Giese gave evidence that he was a labourer. On 30th October was standing under the verandah of the Railway Hotel, at the corner of Sewell and Weld Streets. Noticed a motor car driven along Weld Street towards the railway crossing.' ‘ Saw passengers in the car. The: dtiver had spectacles on, That was the only car'that passed in that direction. The speed was very slow. Heard"wlmt sounded like a train whistle), but he could not nay in what direction it came from.'- ..It was a drizzly dfijl with light rain. Siiw the train 1 coming in from Bobs;' ’ Tho car seemed to him to come to a standstill. Then heard the rattle pf the train as it came along and it crashed into the car. Had the car in sight after it passed the hotel until the collision. The car was slewed round by the engine, and then saw some hats fall out of the car. The train then passed between witness and the can. To Mr Thomas!—At no time was. the, car going at an excessive_ .speed.- ■ It was on the correct side. There was a north wind, blowing against’ the train. The impact took place some 20 or 30 seconds after the whistle. .Since he'had been waiting his. nerves had been shattered and if other witnesses say Mr Renton went to the crossing at the same speed he would,, not deny it.. (The CoUrti adjourned. at ,l p.m. till 1.45. p.m.