RANGITIKEI LINE FATALITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3021, 10 April 1926, Page 3

RANGITIKEI LINE FATALITY.

MOTOR-CYCLIST CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENCE.

As an outcome of an accident which took place in Rangitikei Line, Palmerston North, on the night of March 22 last, a young man of 26 years named Herbert Michael Bailey, a cheesemaker employed by the Newbury factory, appeared on remand at the Palmerston North Magistrate’s Court on Thursday charged that on the date mentioned he “did negligently drive a motor-cycle, thereby causing the death of Maurice Stewart.” Accused, who was represented by Mi 1 . R. Cooper, pleaded not guilty. Counsel raising no objection, the depositions taken at the inquest on deceased’s death on March 27 were submitted as evidence. These were to the effect that a passing motorist found deceased in an unconscious condition and badly injured on the side of the road, his mangled bicycle nearby. The lad was removed to hospital, but died without recovering consciousness. A short distance before the scene of the accident the motorist had passed a man either standing by or pushing a motor-cycle, which had no light; while earlier three boys standing in Rangitikei Line had noticed accused pass on a motor-cycle in the same direction deceased had taken a short time previously. Next morning Constable Thom visited the residence of accused, whom he found in an injured condition. His motor-cycle was found to be damaged and bearing blood-stains. Accused said he had no recollection of a smash and only remembered picking himself up from the road in a dazed condition and pushing his motorcycle home. Constable Thom gave evidence and read a statement made by accused on March 24.

To Mr. Cooper witness said that he found this statement to be true. There had been no sparking plug found at the scene of the accident. Witness had inquired of a woman who saw accussed before he left town for home on the night of March 22, and she said accused was showing no signs of having had liquor. Witness had also inquired of one of the lads accused passed on the side of the road as to the speed at which Bailey was travelling and was informed that it was between 20 and 25 miles an hour. Counsel asked that the evidence given by accused at the inquest be also put in.

Bailey pleaded not guilty, reserving his defence, and was committed to the May sitting of the Supreme Court at Palmerston North for trial. Bail was allowed in the sum of £l5O, with one surety of a like amount.