CHARGE DISMISSED

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 60, 8 September 1937, Page 13

CHARGE DISMISSED

PIPE BRIDGE ACCIDENT "

An accident on the Hutt Pipe bridge on August 21 had its sequel in the Petone Court today, before Mr. H. P. Lawry, S.M., when David Doig was charged "with riding a bicycle on the right of more than one bicycle proceeding in the same direction.

Senior-Sergeant H. C. D. Wade prosecuted and Mr. T. P. McCarthy appeared for the defendant, entering a plea of- not guilty.

Francis Howard Longdin said that at 5.25 pjn. he was driving his motorlorry over the pipe bridge. He saw three cyclists in front riding together and although he sounded his horn several times they would not give way. He was passing the cyclists when, a motor-car suddenly appeared coming towards him. He was. forced to pull in at the side and knocked over the cyclist nearest him.

Samuel William Brown, a passenger in Longdin's lorry, gave similar evidence.

Mr. McCarthy stated that Doig was in front and the two other men were on each- side of him behind. From the back it might appear that they were riding together. Doig was as far over to the side as he could be as proved by the fact that when he was knocked over he hurt his arm against the railings at the side of the bridge.

Doig and the two other cyclists gave evidence along these lines.

Mr- Lawry said he was not satisfied that the men were riding abreast which was a dangerous practice, especially when there were three together. The charge was dismissed Longdin was charged with driving without due care and attention and was fined £1 and costs. On a charge that after passing another vehicle he moved into the line of passage before being dear from it by at least 18 feet he was convicted and discharged. Longdin, who pleaded not guilty was represented by Mr. A. H. Macandrew.