MOTOR TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1931, Page 5

MOTOR TRAGEDY

DRIVER SENT FOR TRIAL. (By Telegraph—ter Press Associatiqi ■HASTINGS, July 4. The sequel to a motor accident ' which a young man was killed on Ma 30 was heard in the Hastings Qou when Edward Robert Kellett was char; ed with negligently driving a ca thereby causing the death of Rayrnon 'Bennett Smith. Mr Mowlem, S.tM was on the Bench, and Air H. C. ißair presided as Coroner over the inquest which was held simultaneously. Air £ Avetill appeared for the accused. The charge was the outcome of ai allegation that Smith met his death b; being knocked down by a car drivei by two men who did not own it, am who immediately disappeared after th fatality.

Raui Kamu gave evidence that h< drove the car to (Cornwall Park anc watched hockey matches there. In t-h< meantime the car had disappeared.

Detective Farquharson stated he questioned accused oil May; 30: Kellett denied being the occupant of the cai concerned in the collision, but said he was close to the scene when it occurred. ;He rushed to assist and afterwards went home. Accused denied having stolen a car on? June 19. Witness again interviewed accused, who then admitted going to Cornwall Park to see the hockey matches. While there he met n young Maori, whose name he did not know, and who asked him to go for a ride, They' went in a three-skater car, the Maori driving. Accused said they had better take the car hack and they decided to do so, but on the way a collision occurred. Accused gave a hand in removing the car, and when lie looked up the Maori had gone. Kelleit heard someone say “He’s dead,” so decided to get out, as he did not wish to be implicated. The following day accused made a further statement, admitting he himself took the car from (Cornwall 'Park and drove it away. 'Explaining the accident, he said he expecti the motor-cycle to give way, but as ,fc did not he swerved to the right, but could not avoid a collision. .When he was told that the man was dead he goi frightened and went off.’ There was no one else ill the car with him 7 , v •• Air ALowlem returned a verdict that death was due to injuries'-sustained.'in a collision between 1 a motor-cycle ridden by deceased and a car 'driven by Edward Robert Kellett. ■ •*. >•'•

Kelltcl pleaded not- guilty to the charge and was committed tkr the Supreme* Court for trial'. Bail was refused. ' ’ .