RAN INTO CATTLE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 185, 12 July 1940, Page 5

RAN INTO CATTLE

BUS DRIVER IN COURT FIVE ANIMALS LOST The sequel, to an accident which occurred on the Otara Road on May 22 was heard in the Opotiki Magistrate's Court on Monday, when Hector John Collins faced two aharges arising from the accident. In outlining the case, Sergeant Isbister told the court that on May 22 Collins was the driver of the school bus which was returning to Opotiki when it collided with a mob of about. 100 cows being driven to a paddock about., half a milk; away. As a result of the accident two cows were killed and three so .seriously injured that they had to be destroyed. The car had no certificate of fitness. Evidence was given by Wm. John Harding, a farm hand, Robert Fut- V ton, an inspector of the Transport Department, and Constable Rathie.< Police Evidence. Sergeant Isbister, "stated that there was 30ft of metal and 20ft of level grass on each side -of the metal. The distance from* the cow shed to where the accident took place was just over 100 yards. An inspection of the vehicle revealed that the footbrake had no application on three wheels. The hand brake had no effect. Witness, interviewed Collins and took a statement in which defendant admitted., having little experience in driving a* public Vehicle. He attributed the accident to his inability to see the cows. Defendant's Story. Collins in evidence said that her did not see the cows until he was right on them. They were from, hedge to hedge. Witness jammed on the brakes but was too close to avoid them. The leg of one cow was under the car and it was pulled out by its tail. "Witness had beett driving the car only two days. The magistrate ■ asked accused if he had ever spen cows shining in a car's Ughts. Witness/replied that he had riot. The magistrate: Did you not se& the cowis eyes shining on this occasion? Witness replied that lie had not. The magistrate: They they must have had their eyes shut. The magistrate said that regarding the certificate of fitness, th.e brakes had been d'one and. the application had been inade. The . length of time taken by the department to issue the certificate justi~ fled the dismissing of that charged The second charge had been proved and a fine, of £2 and costs woultl be imposed.