MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 90, 9 October 1953, Page 8

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

MOTOR FATALITY SEQUEL In the Magistrate's Court, Taupo, on Thursday, September 24th, before Mr W. A. Harlow, S.M., Robert Thomas Cooper was charged that on September 26th, 1952, he did negligently drive a motor truck on the Taupo-Wairakei main highway and did thereby cause the death of Roger Hemepo Oneroa. The fatality occurred near the entrance to Huka Lodge. The case was adjourned for hearing at Rotorua on October 13th. Traffic Offences Mr B. P. Muggeridge, Senior Traffic Ofhcer, appeared for the Transport Department in prosecutions for traffic offences as follows: Roy Henry Dickens Bell, Karangahape Road, Auckland, was charged with driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, and with exceeding 30 miles per hour in a restricted area. Mr Muggeridge in evidence on the first charge stated that defendant had overtaken another vehicle on the Lake Front Road rise on the Taupo side of the Napier Road intersection, where there was insufficient visibility and an intersection (Waipahihi Avenue). Evidence on the second charge was that defendant had proceeded ahd driven at a speed of 50 miles per hour when passing the Lake Front Garage Defendant was fined £5 and costs £1 on the first charge, and £2 10/and £1 on the second. Cedric Ian Berkett, having no heavy traffic license, fined £10 and costs £1. J. S. Burrows Ltd., exceeding license weight, £5 and £1; exceeding rear axle weight on Class 2 road, £4 and £1. Nant Bros. Ltd., exceeding maximum license load, £7 and £1. Daniel Pihema, carrying a pillion passenger on a motor-bicycle while having learner's license only, £1 10/- and £1; failing to display learner's plate, £2 10/- and £1. R. H. Pettigrew Transport Ltd., exceeding axle weight for class of road, £1 10/and £1. Kori Rameka, similar charge, £2 and £1. Henry Ivan Richards, no heavy traffic license, £4 10/- and £1. J. D. Wallace Ltd., defective hand brake, £1 and £1. Norman Wano, failing to keep a motor vehicle as close as practicable to the left, £2 10/- and £1. Referring to cases where operators of trucks failed to take out heavy traffic licenses, the magistrate said he was resolved that fines would ensure that such action would not result in any saving to the offender. Fifteen charges under the Fisheries Regulations, on which there were no appearance of defendants, were adjourned to the sitting on November 27th, the Conservator of Wild Life, Mr S. A. McNamara, being unable to be present owing to illenss.