SEQUEL TO CAPSIZE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 878, 23 January 1930, Page 11

SEQUEL TO CAPSIZE

DRIVER CHARGED WITH CAUSING DEATH EVIDENCE AT INQUEST From Our Own Correspondent WHANGAREI, Wednesday. The adjourned inquest concerning: the death of Frederick John Albert Edwards, 23. a postal employee, who was killed as the result of a lorry, driven by Nathan Hart, overturning on the Waipu Road, was held by the coroner. Mr. G. N.. Morris, S.M.. at the Whangarei Magistrate’s Court today. The lorry struck a drum of bitumen, and capsized against a telegraph pole. Evidence was given that Edwards was one of a party of men on a lorry driven by Hart. At a bend on the Waipu road Hart tried to steer between some drum of bitumen and a telegraph pole, but the truck struck something and capsized against the post. Edwards was killed and several other men were injured. Constable Maisey, of Waipu, said the doctor who accompanied him, examined the injured men and ordered them into hospital. Hart was found to be injured and much concerned about Edwards's death. Before leaving the scene witness took charge of the keg, which he found in front of the lorry. Cross-examined, witness said that after the accident Hart had done everything in his power. It must have been a great effort for Hart to have reached the wharf phone and ring up. Hart was looked upon as possessing an excellent character. Witness had never seen him the worse for liquor and he was an expert driver. Counsel for Hart pointed out that tne doctor had found no sign of liquor upon Hart after the accident.

The coroner said he was not prepared to lind anything on the liquor question. As other proceedings would be taken he would say little concerning the accident. He inspected the scene himself while the marks were still perfectly clear. The coroner said he had come to the conclusion that the truck whs driven too fast, and the verdict was that Edwards died from head injuries received as a result of a truck overturning on the Waipu Road. when being driven at an excessive speed by Nathan Hart. Immediately after the inquest Hart was charged that on December 15. 1929. he did recklessly drive a motor-truck so as to cause the death of Frederick John Albert Edwards. The depositions taken at the jnquest were tendered as evidence. Counsel asked that the ease bo dismissed, but the Bench found that the police had established a prima facie case. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed In one surety of £SO.