FATAL COLLISION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 277, 22 November 1934, Page 9

FATAL COLLISION.

DRIVER FOR TRIAL. CONFLICTING EVIDENCE. SPEED AND LIGHTING. Following on a fatal collision which occurred at the junction of Richmond Road and Leighton Street, Grey Lynn, on the evening of August 11, William Frederick Barry, a wood and coal merchant, of Grey Lynn, appeared 011 summon*, before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police Court to-day, charged with negligently driving a motor truck, thereby causing the death of Andrew Jack. Barry's truck, in which Jack was a passenger, collided with a motor car driven by Alfred Richard Buchanan. Defendant was also charged with driving ill a manner which might have been dangerous to the public, failing to have a driver's license and driving without lights. Inspector Edwards prosecuted and Mr. F. W. Schramm appeared for Barry. The evidence of Buchanan, which had been previously heard, was read by the magistrate. This witness said his car was in second gear when he approached the intersection, and his speed was between 10 and 1"> miles per hour. He. considered that the truck ran into his car, which did not cut the corner. Victor Brown, a passenger in Buchanan's car, said Buchanan was travelling slowly. There were 110 lights 011 defendant's truck. Cross examined by Mr. Schramm, witness said Buchanan was not at any hotei between <5.30 p.m. and the time of the accident, which was after six o'clock. Mr. Schramm: If Buchanan stated, at the inquest, that he "shouted" for you at 5 p.m. he would be wrong?— Yes. "Sure Lights Were Burning." j Other witnesses included Sergeant Campagnolo and Constable Milligan. The latter stated that he interviewed Barry on August 2S, and Barry made a statement which he signed. In this statement he said his truck had been overhauled only a few days prior to the accident, and was in thorough mechanical order. He picked up Jack about 5.30 p.m. in Newton, and Jack was sitting in the front seat alongside him. He was sure the lights 011 his truck were burning at the time of the collision. His truck was coasting 011 the down grade at the time, and was doing about 1.") miles per hour.' He considered that the car was travelling at between 3.5 and -10 miles per hour, and that it came straight at his van. After that he did not remember what happened, as lie was injured. He did not drink, and 011 the day of the collision he had 110 liquor whatever. Ho admitted that he had not renewed his driving license, as he had not used the truck for some time while it was being overhauled.

Barry pleaded not guilty, reserved his dcfence and was committed to the Supremo Court for trial 011 the major charge. He was admitted to bail in one surety of £100. The three summary charges were adjourned.