CROSSING SMASH

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 257, 22 June 1932, Page 6

CROSSING SMASH

MOTORIST CRCfeSES LINE IN FRONT OF TRAIN> LIGIIT FINE IMPOSED Some weelcs ago a motor-car, driven by T. Thompson, was caught by a train on the Koutu crossing and badly smashed. As a sequel to the occurrence, Thompson was eharged on Monday before Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M., with attempting to cross the line when it was not elear. Mr. J. D. Davys appeared for the defendant and pleaded guilty. Senior-Sergt. J. Carroll said Thompson had crossed the line on his way to Kawaha Point. He had escaped personal injury, but the car was completely wrecked. The Railway Department claimed £25 8s lOd, the amount of damages to carriages. At the time Thompson was4 duly licensed and perfectly sober. Speaking on defendant's behalf, Mr. Davys said he had driven over that particular crossing twice daily for months. When he approached the crossing he saw no train, but before he knew what had happened a train appeared from behind the trees. Owing to the presence of new metal near the line he was unable to pull up. The five-seater Packard, valued at £200, was a serious loss. He submitted that if the Railway Department wished to reeover damages they should take civil action. The court convicted Thompson and fined him £1, and costs 10s.