THE MOTUROA FATALITY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 115, 8 October 1914, Page 6

THE MOTUROA FATALITY.

CHARGE OF MANSLAuGH'i iUi,

AOOUSBD OGMiMJTTI© flOft Kuu.

At the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr A. Cro'oke, S.M., Ernest .Albert Burton, mate of the dredge '"Paritutu. was oallod upon to answer a charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of Flinders Hursthouse while flahiag from a boat anchored outside tnu Ertakwatcr on September 21. Air C. S, Weston, Crown Prosecutor, conducted the proseCUxion, and Mr Johnstone defended the accused.

Dr. Rex. Brewster gave evidence similar to that which he testified at the inquest. F. C. Hursthouse said lie had been a purser at sea for some years. Had only had experience of steering on one boat. On the day in question, ho considered it would be quite easy for a person steering a steamer to see an object, such is a small boat, 200 yeards ahead. Mr Johnstono objected to witness' opinion being taken..as evidence, but the S.M. upheld the question. Lawrence Fitzpatrick, who was in the boat at the time it was cut down by the dredge, repeated the evidence given by him at the inquest. Walter John Pryor, a seaman on the dredge Paritutu, repeated his evidence given at tie inquest. Captain MacMahon, dredgemaster, also repeated the evidence given by him at the inquest. In reply to the usual question from the Bench, accused said he had nothing to say in answer to the charge, fie pleaded not guilty and was committed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court to be held at Now Plymouth.

Mr Johnstone applied for bail, and the application was granted, the bail being fixed at £SO for accused, and either two sureties of £25 each, or one of £SO.