TAWA FLAT FATALITY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 134, 10 June 1927, Page 9

TAWA FLAT FATALITY

DEATH OF MRS. TELFER

STATEMENT BY COUNSEL

A deuial that William John Walling, aged 43, a carrier, was in any way responsible for the fatal accident near Johnsonville last Friday, when a private motorcar was forced over a 70ft bank, killing Mrs. Helen- Telfer, of Wellington, was given by Jlr. W. Perry in the Magistrate's Court torday, when Walling appeared oh remand on a charge of haying recklessly driven a motor-car and having caused the death of Mrs. Telfer.

Sir. Perry said that on the day follow-

ing the accident reports appeared in the Press to the effect that a motor-ear had been forced over a bank some distance north of Jqhnsonville; that the car that was responsible had not stopped; and that, as the result of a chase by some passing motorists, a number had been taken, and the accused had subsequently been arrested. One could easily see the effect that such reports would have on the public mind. "

"We say," continued counsel, "that either the men in the pursuing car got the wrong number or got the number of Walling's car by mistake. Evidence will be called to show that his car did not strike the other car at all." As a matter, of fact, said Mr. Perry, Walling did not know anything about the accident until later, when he was on his way to Otaki, and was informed by another motorist who. passed him about a mile past the scene of the occurrence. Walling immediately turned back and helped in the rescue work, even assisting to bring one of the injured women to the road. The next thing he knew about the affair was at 4 o'clock the next morning, when he was arrested at his home at Eastbourne and later brought before the Court. One did not like making any remarks before the case was heard, added counsel, but in fairness to the accused he had found it necessary to do so. On the application of Chief-Detective Ward, the accused was remanded to appear next" Wednesday. The Chief-Detec-tive said he understood that a further remand would then be asked for.

.Bail in the sum of £200 and one suret 1 of £200 was renewed. , '