MOTOR-BUS SMASH

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 256, 13 July 1926, Page 4

MOTOR-BUS SMASH

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST DRIVER BY TshEGßArn.—Press association. Auckland, July 12. A motor-bus accident on Muuukau Road early ou tho morning of May 17, when one of the Royal Motor Bus Company's buses crashed into a pole, had a sequel in tho Magistrate’s Court today, when tho driver, Alfred Hcgh was charged with negligently driving the bus, thereby causing tho death of Lorino Taylor, a passenger. ' ’he inquest was held in conjunction- with the nearing of tho charge. . In a statement made to Constable White, accused said that the bus, which was in second gear, ana going at a speed of from 15 to 20 miles an hour, was about 3ft. away from the footpath on the left-hand side of the road; I’he interior of tho bus was becoming ieiy warm, and accused decided to push up the windscreen immediately in front ot him. Tho windscreen was stiff, and in trying to push it up with his left hand, he must have swerved the bus over to the left, for immediately tho left-hand side of the bus collided with a tram pole on tho edge of the pavement. Accused applied the brakes, anti pulled up within 15 yards. He had a full load of passengers, but none of them obstructed his view. Evidence was given by 1 nomas Cunningham, who was standing near die entrance of the bus when the accident happened. He estimated the speed of the bus at about 22 miles an lioum Jhe bus hit the kerb twice, and then the P °ln reply to accused's counsel (Mr. Finlay), witness said that the speed of the bus was not excessive, and there was nothing to indicate that there would be an accident until tho bus hit the pole. ~ When the evidence for tho prosecution was completed, Mr. Finley said he thought the case should be dealt with summarily. "I quite agree with yon, but I lave not the power,” said the Magistrate (Mr. Hunt). Mr. Finlay: I wonder if the sergeant would discuss the matter with the heads of his department. . Sergeant Calweil: 1 am quite willing to put tho matter before the inspector if Your Worship expresses an opinion. The Magistrate: I do not see why tho case should go to tho Supreme Court, with all the expense. The Court adjourned for half an hoar to allow the sergeant to'consult the inspector. On resuming, Sergeant Calwell said that- after a conference with tho police officers it had been decided that the case was serious, and that it -,amc within the scope <jf tho section under which it was laid. Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed to tho Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed in two sureties of £lOO each. The decision of the Coroner regarding the inquest was that death was caused through a fractured skull, sustained through deceased falling out of the bus when it collided with tho pole.