A SPEED KING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 135, 9 June 1926, Page 8

A SPEED KING.

50 MILES OR 15 ?

TRACK RIDER CHARGED.

"This is a bad case of speeding," said Sub-Ingpector Lewin when Cyril D. Walker, a young motor mechanic and track rider, answered a charge of speeding on his motor cycle in Eden Terrace. "One witness is prepared to swear that the rider was doing 50 miles per hour," said the sub-inspector.

Arthur Pearson said that his van was standing in Eden Terrace. He was preparing to cross to the other side of the road, and had ft clear view of the road for about 100 yards behind him. He put out his hand to indicate that he was turning, and the ran was struck with considerable force by a motor cycle. The steering gear of his van was put of action, and the mudgard was damaged beyond repair. "The motor cycle was travelling at a terrific speed—it was doing 50 miles an hour," said Charles Buckley. „

A constable read a statement made by defendant, in which he said he was travelling at 15 miles an hour. The cycle was in second gear at the time.

Mr. Tong, who apeared for Walker, said he had evidence to show that the cycle was travelling in second gear. He could also bring expert evidence to show that the damage sustained by the cycle was not consistent with the statement that it was travelling at 50 miles. The forks, which were of a special make, were only bent. Had they received a hard smash they would have been broken. Sub-Inspector Lewin (to Walker): You do motor cycle racing, don't you? Defendant: Yes, but not on the roads. The Sub-Inspector: You said that you had had a lesson some time ago. What do you mean by that?

Witness: Well, about seven years ago I was up on three charge of speeding, and it cost mc £30. I have been very careful ever since.

Lengthy evidence for the defence was heard. Mr. Poynton, S.M., said that in view of the fact that it would cost defendant £15 to repair| his motor cycle, he did not want to impose a heavy fine. Defendant was convicted and ordered to pay costs.