MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2973, 10 December 1925, Page 2

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE.

MOTORIST COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. Auckland, December !). In the Magistrate's Court to-day Ronald Cordon Frnnkliam (27 years of age) was charged with negligently driving a motor-car on the night of November 12, and causing the death of Oscar Frederick Swanson, and, further, that he committed manslaughter.

Norman Gregory Swanson stated that about 11.30 p.m. on November 12 he was going home with Hector Flanagan, George Smith, and his brother, the deceased. They were walking fairly close together. Witness, glancing round, saw a motorear behind, and jumped forward. The next moment he was on the ground, and saw the rear part of the car bhmping over his brother. Witness took the number of the ear which then had no lights. He did not observe whether it had lights before the accident. No horn was sounded.

Hector Arnold D. Flanagan said the car travelled about Tl or 15 yards after the impact. Deceased was carried apparently about seven vards. Witness identified accused as the driver of the car. The driver mentioned to witness that his lights had gone out, and that he had been looking for the police expecting them to report it. There were two women and a man in the car besides the driver.

Accused reserved his defence and was committed for trial.