WITNESS WHO HEARD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 98, 28 April 1933, Page 8

WITNESS WHO HEARD.

INCIDENT IN POLICE COURT. NEGLIGENT DRIVING CHARGE. Ae a sequel to a collision between f< motor truck and a cyclist on the Great South Road at Takanini on January 15 the truck driver, Maurice Henry Alexander, of Clevedon, was charged at the Papakura Court with negligent driving, and operating a vehicle with defective brakes. The defendant was represented by Mr. S. D. Rice. When James Hamilton Alexander, father of the defendant, was about to give evidence for the defence, he admitted, on being questioned by the' magistrate, Mr. F. H. Levien, that he had been standing near the door of the Court, and had heard some of his son's evidence. "Did you not hear the clerk order all witnesses out of Court?" asked the magistrate. Witness: I thought that meant only police witnesses. "It should be placed on the Statute Book that all witneeeea should be out of Court in all cases, except when epecially asked by the Bench to remain in Court," commented the magistrate. After hearing further evidence, the magistrate said that he would reserve decision on the negligent driving charge. On the charge of having defective brakes Alexander was fined 20/ and costs. < .