DRIVER FOR TRIAL.

Auckland Star, Issue 154, 2 July 1934, Page 9

DRIVER FOR TRIAL.

CROSSING SMASH. WAITAKERE TRAGEDY. NEGLIGENCE ALLEGED. The level crossing tragedy on March 23 at Waitakere, when two lives were lost as tho result of a collision between a motor car and the Opua-Auckland express, was recalled to-day, when the driver of the car, Frank Impey, appeared before Mr. Wyvern Wilson, S.M., in the Police Court, charged with negligently driving a car on the main north road, Waitakere, thereby causing tho deaths of Charles. Manderson and James Higgs. Sub-Inspector Edwards prosecuted and accused was represented by Mr. A. R. Wilson, of Mr. G. P. Finlay's office. The evidence given by a number of witnesses this morning was practically tho same as that tendered on May 23, when the inquest was held by Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M. Evidence showed that the motor car, driven by accused, left Auckland about 2.15 p.m. on March 23 and went to Huapai. Those in the car included Mrs. Gertrude McKee, the accused Impey, James Higgs, aged 50, a driver employed by the Auckland City Council, and Charles Manderson, aged 43, retired railway workshop employee. Tho collision occurred as tho car was returning from Huapai at the Waitakere railway crossing at 4.29 p.m. The four occupants were injured, Higgs and Manderson so seriously that they died shortly afterwards. Constable Rushton, of Henderson, in giving evidence this morning, stated that the crossing was in no sense dangerous. Impey pleaded not guilty, reserved his defence, and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed.