CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 499, 26 October 1909, Page 3

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER

Christchurch, October 24

As the outcome of the accident to the motor-car driven by W. A. Humphreys on labour Day when returning from volunteer manoeuvres at Yaldhurst, the driver was arrested at New Brighton by Chief-Detective Bishop and Detective J. Kennedy on a charge of manslaughter. As a result of the accident, Captain W. 0. Pavitt, of the Civil Service Rifles, lost his life. The arrest was effected at about ii o’clock at New Brighton where Humphreys was camping with some friends. Humphreys was brought before Mr T. A. B. Bailey, S.M., later in the day and formally charged as follows: “That on October 13, 1909, at Christchurch, he did, by the negligent and improper driving of a motor-car, cause the death of one William Ostell Pavitt, and did thereby commit the crime of manslaughter, The object of bringing the accused before the magistrate was that bail might be fixed, and his Worship accordingly fixed bail as follows: — Accused in and one surety of /400. Bail was forthcoming, accused’s faiher, Mr G. Humphreys, being accepted as surety, and accused released. He will be brought before the court tomorrow morning when a further remand will be asked for. With regard to the military inquiry into the accident, it is understood that the local defence authorities have not yet received instructions from headquarters to hold such an inquiry.