Scientist’s evidence on stub axles

Press, 13 August 1980, Page 3

Scientist’s evidence on stub axles

PA Auckland Evidence was given on the condition of two stub axles by a scientist. Professor Neil Mowbray, before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Thomas case yesterday ._ Professor Mowbray said that in recent weeks he had examined the axle and stub axles before the commisson. He agreed they were consistent with a 1928-29 Nash motor-vehicle and, in his opinion, they had been welded together at one time. He was, he said, unable to date the welding. He said that 140,000 such axlesi had been-made in the United States, Unless there

was a personal alteration, any axle would fit any stub axle. Looking at the left-hand stub axle before the commission, its condition was excellent and it could go straight back on the road as it was. The condition of the one was “horrible,” with virtually nothing in the hub worth reclaiming. It could not, Professor Mowbray said, be reconditioned in the normal sense of the term. It would be impossible for a trailer with a stub axle in such condition to get a warrant of fitness. Mr M. Crew, counsel assisting the commission: You have heard all the tech-

nical evidence of what happened to the axle and stub axles. Is it your opinion that the right-hand stub axle has been used since it was taken off Mr Thomas senior’s trailer? .

Witness: I can’t say with absolute certainty, excepting that that would be one very persuasive explanation to me as to its condition. To Mr R. L. Fisher, for the police. Professor Mowbray said had the stub axle been in that condition on the Thomas trailer, it could never have been driven from Pukekawa to Auckland. “It probably would not have even reached their front gate,”’he said.