"NOT PROVEN"

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 84, 20 January 1930, Page 7

"NOT PROVEN"

MOTORISTS IN COURT. SEQUEL TO A COLLISION. (Special to the "Guardian. ") CHRISTCHURCH, January 18. Daniel Giles Sullivan was charged in the Magistrate's Court yesterday with failing to give way to traffic on the right when there was the possibility of a collision.

David William Jones said he was driving a motor-car west along Hereford Street, and was crossing the intersection with Stanroare Road when it was struck by Sullivan's car, which was travelling north, in the rear part. Mr C. S. Thomas, for defendant, said the corner was a difficult one. Sullivan was the chairman of the By-laws Committee of the City Council, and always endeavoured to observe the bylaws.

Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M.: This action was taken under the motor regulations. , , Mr Thomas: But there is not much distinction in the public mind. He said the defendant was travelling across the intersection' at about 12 miles an hour. Sullivan contended that he was on the intersection first. If the section was strictly applied it would mean the stoppage of traffic. Mr'Mosley said if'he controlled the City Council he would have the intersection straightened. Defendant said he saw no vehicle approaching at tho intersection. His attention was drawn to some people on his right side* but lie was keeping quite a good look-out. Mr Mosley said that if the other motor-car did not exist in Sullivan's mind, legally he was in -the wrong, i Defendant: My view was obscured by 19 feet of buildings. Mr Mosley said, this was the more unfortunate from defendant's point of view. The rule was an excellent one Tf the regulations were fully observed there would be no accidents.

Mr Tliomas: That is bad news! ■ Mr Mosley said it appeared that both motorists were to blame. It was a case for the old Scottish verdict of "not proven," and the information would be dismissed.