DRIVER CHARGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 296, 15 December 1933, Page 8

DRIVER CHARGED.

WOMAN'S DEATH.

EVIDENCE AT WHANGAREI.

CONDITION OF WINDSCREEN.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent)

WHANGAREI, this day.

The adjourned inquest concerning the death of Alice Muriel McKinlay, aged 22, who died in hospital a» the result of being knocked down by a motor car on December 2, was opened before the district coroner, Mr. H. C. Hemphill, in the Whangarei Magistrate's Court this morning. At the same time Messrs. T. Ellis and E. L. Whimp, J.P.'s, heard three charges against Oswald James Ball, of Whangarei. The charges were that he did operate a. motor car in a public place, the car being in such a condition as to cause injury or damage to any person or object, also that he drove negligently, thereby causing the death of Alice Muriel McKinlay, and committing the crime of manslaughter.

Jasper Burfoot, photographer, said that drizzling rain was falling on the night of the accident. Driving conditions in that part of Mill Road were always difficult. .

Statement to Constable. Constable Morris said that on arriving at the ecene of the accident at 9 p.m. he met the driver of the car. Ball etated that he wae proceeding slowly up Mill Road and had not noticed anyone when he felt a bump. On applying his brakes he noticed a email child run past the car. On looking back he saw a woman standing on the road behind the car, and as he approached her she sank to the ground. He asked whether she was hurt, and ehe said: "No, but take me home."

Witness eaid he found that the car windscreen wae emeared with mud, and • was in a dirty condition, unfit for use. On the left-hand top corner a spider web was hanging. Ball eaid he had taken no drink since six o'clock. Although liquor could be smelt on him, accused was sober.

The father of the deceased, Enrico Adrian McKinlay, stock Inspector, eaid that on\ hearing the news he and his wife hurried outeide and met their daughter being assisted home by Ball. Witness attempted on several occasions to take the arm of his daughter, but was prevented from doing so by Ball, who repeatedly said, "Send for the police." On the last occasion when he attempted to take her arm Ball again tried to prevent him, tout witness toM him to get out of it and leave the girl alone. At that time he noticed that Ball smelt very strongly of liquor.

No Wiper on Windscreen. Witness said he commented upon the lack of a windscreen wiper, and told accused it was wrong to drive a car with the screen in such a condition that it could not be seen through. Ball told witness he could not see through the windscreen. (Proceeding , )