NEGLIGENT VAN DRIVER

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 966, 8 May 1930, Page 10

NEGLIGENT VAN DRIVER

COLLISION WITH BUS Prom Our Own Correspondent PUKEKOHE, Wednesday. The colliding of a motor-van owned by the Franklin Electric-Power Board and the passenger bus of Wheeler and Sons on the Paerata - Drury Road on February 22 had a sequel in the Puke* kohe Court today. Richard Grotty, the van driver, who was represented by Mr. F. A. Hosking, appeared on charges of travelling at a dangerous speed and negligent drivTho bus driver, Hugh Hanger, gave evidence that he was proceeding toward Auckland, and upon approaching the corner north of the entrance to the Wesley College he reduced speed to 15 miles an hour, and at the same time sounded the horn. At the time, the vehicle was well to the left side of the road. When rounding the corner, witness observed the man approaching some 15 yards off at a fast nate of speed, and as it was passing swung over and struck the bus near the driver’s seat. The passenger vehicle was brought to a standstill in about 10 feet.

Three passengers in the bus testified tnat Crotty was proceeding at a fast rate of speed. The defendant, Crotty, said he saw the bus when from 40 to 50 feet distant from the corner. He reduced speed from 25 to 30 miles to 20 miles.

Other evidence for the defence showed that the van commenced to deviate to the left 32 feet back from the corner.

Mr. F. IT. Levien, S.M., held that Crotty had been negligent, and he imposed a fine of £1 on the second charge, with £3 13s costs. The other charge was dismissed.