CARELESS MOTORIST

Southland Times, Issue 20082, 20 January 1927, Page 9

CARELESS MOTORIST

RAILWAY DEPARTMENT PROSECUTES. THREE GENERATIONS ENDANGERED. In the Police Court yesterday, before Mr G. Cruickshank, S.M., a young man named Gordon Sutherland, of Edendale, was charged that on November 15, while driving a car along the Invercargill-Wyndham road on approaching a railway crossing, he failed to keep a vigilant look-out for approaching trains. There was a further charge of failing to stop before crossing the line preferred against him. Defendant pleaded guilty to both charges. Mr S. M. Macalister appeared for the Railway Department, who laid the information. He stated that apparently the attention of defendant had been attracted by a hut that was being moved. The crossingkeeper had signalled Sutherland to stop, but despite the warning he had crossed just in front of the train. Evidence was given by the porter on duty at the crossing at the time. He stated that his flag was unfurled and that defendant must seen his signal. He had missed the train by about fifteen yards. Defendant stated that he had been looking at a hut that was being moved by a traction engine. It was just near the crossing. He did not understand the porter’s signal. “Who was in the car with you?” asked the Magistrate. “My grandfather and my father.” “You might have killed three generations,” said Mr Cruickshank. Defendant was £2, with Court costs 7/-, solicitor’s fee £3 3/-, and witnesses’ expenses 18/-.