MIRAMAR FATALITY

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 74, 21 December 1937, Page 8

MIRAMAR FATALITY

Inquest Into Death Of Stoker COLLISION WITH CAR A verdict that Samuel Thompson, stoker, 38, met his death as the result of injuries received in a collision with a motor-ear driven by Horace Baden Ginger, merchant, at Aberdeen Quay, .Miramar, on November 17, was returned by the coroner, Air. E. Gilbertson, J.P., at an inquest held at Wellington yesterday. Sub-Inspector J. A. Dempsey appeared for the police, Air. 0. 0. Mazengarb for Ginger, and Air. J. D. Willis for the relatives.

Walter Henry White, u corporation bus driver, said he was driving his motor-car in a southerly direction along Aberdeen Quay about 7.40 p.m. on November 17. He was on his correct side. When about half-way along the sea wall he noticed a car approaching, travelling at an excessive speed and following an erratic course. He estimated the speed at not less than 45 miles an hour. It was definitely skidding from one side of the roadway to the other and appeared to be completely out of control. It narrowly missed a stationary car parked in the western side of the road close to the kerb. It continued on to the left and (he front and rear left wheels mounted the footpath. The car travelled along the footpath for a short distance and the left side then came in contact with Thompson, who was walking along the footpath near the edge. The car continued along the footpath for quite a distance and then swung right across the road, nearly striking his car. The car continued up the road, zig-zagging, mounted the eastern footpath and then came to a standstill. AVitness went over to Thompson, who was unconscious and bleeding profusely from the mouth. The visibility was quite good. AVitness did not hear any horn sound on Ginger's car. It was not raining at the time of the collision, but the bitumen road was wet and slightly greasy. AVitness heard Ginger say he did not see Thompson, that he was travelling at 30 miles an hour, and that his car skidded. _ Ginger appeared perfectly sober. Witness contended that on a greasy road the speed at which Ginger’s car was travelling was definitely a menace and a danger to motorists and pedestrians. In reply to the coroner, witness said that Ginger was on his correct side of the road when he knocked Thompson down.

Evidence of measurements was given by Philip AVallis Vautier, and by two constables.

Mr. Alazengarb said he desired to state that there would be a considerable amount of evidence to negative the evidence of speed and zig-zagging, which he contended was exaggerated. The coroner said there would- be no need for counsel to address the court. He had heard sufficient for him to reach a verdict as to the cause ■ of death.