CROYDON AERIAL SMASH

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 January 1925, Page 5

CROYDON AERIAL SMASH

SOLICITOR’S ALLEGATIONS.; ■ r

“TAMPERING WITH WITNESS”

(Reuter.)

LONDQN, January 14.

A sensation occurred at the, reopening of the inquest on the victime of the Croydon air smash. A solicitor representing relatives of victims alleged that the Imperial Airways Ltd., had tampered with a witness.

The representative of the Imperial Airways denied the allegation. A The witness concerned, Henry Clerk, employed'by) the Imperial Airways, gave evidence that he knew nothing of the alleged'tampering) He said that Eskell, Traffic’ Superintendent, asked him why witness had not told him of the ’conversation he had heard between the deceased pilot Hinchcliffe, and Hall, mechanical superintendent, when Hinchcliffe had said “The oil pressure is low,” and Hall had replied, “If so, the engine should be thoroughly tested, and if necessary changed.” Witness had replied that he did' not think it sufficiently important. Eskell advised him to be most careful what he said at the inquest and not to advance any theories or say anything that was not in his line.

Counsel for the Airways suggested the withdrawal of the outrageous statement.

The solicitor said he was glad the matter was not so serious as he had thought but it was unfortunate Eskell had sought to advise a witness in regard to his evidence.