MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE FAILS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2852, 17 August 1916, Page 4

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE FAILS

A MOTOR-TRAIN COLLISION.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Palmerston Nor'th, August 16. At the Supreme Court, before the Chief Justice, Thomas Stanley Madge appeared on a charge of manslaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gowdy, who wore killed as a result, of a railway at Taonui railway crossing, in which' a train and a motor-car driven by Madge came into collision, and two passengers in the car met their deaths. Mr. J. D. Evans, one of the passengers, said he considered that .Madge was a most careful driver. If : he had not been so careful the accident might not have happened. If he had been going faster he would, have' got over the lino before the engine. He did not hear the whistle. The driver and fireman of tho express which came into collision with the car gave evidence as fo the blowing of the whistle and the pulling up of the train. Tho defence contended that Madge had taken every precaution. He had not heard the whistle, and had looked back three chains away from the crossing. Further evidence was given-as to Madge's good character and carefulness as a car driver. His Honour said the jury had to find whether accused had taken reasonable precaution and care. There was no suggestion tliut accused acted Tvilniliy. The' jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and accused was discharged.