A DOCTOR’S DEATH

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1932, Page 3

A DOCTOR’S DEATH

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST.

WELLINGTON, August 12

A formal verdict was returned by the. Coroner, Mr T. B. McNeil/ at the-inquest into the death of Dr Robert Lisle Christie, who was' crushed beneath a motor-car which capsized '■ ever a. bank in the Ngahauranga Gorge on July 13th. The evidence of the driver-owner, Frederick Goldsmith/was that the car 5 f kidded suddenly rounding a" corner pn the wet road. He had had four drinks throughout the day at the races. He said on the way-back from the races Dr Christie got into the car,' 'and said he would drive. The traffic inspector held them up and drove thecair to the police station. He warned them that Dr Christie was not to. drive. Witness therefore took 1 the wheel qnd was travelling at fifteen; miles ’an hour when’ the accident occurred, Dr Christie did not touch the' . wheel."-).

Supporting evidence was. given., by others, including, the traffic inspector, who said ‘the car had a slight, wobble in steering;' Dr Christie was' not fit to dfive, hut his.detention was unwarranted, so 'lthe party were allowed •to proceed' when Goldsmith gave an undertaking to drive. ', . " . ‘-Y The Coroner drew the attention of the local .body to the need for a fence at the spot, which is a dangerous one.