HIT-AND-RUN CHARGE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20184, 29 February 1940, Page 4

HIT-AND-RUN CHARGE

MANUTUKE ACCIDENT SUPREME COURT TRIAL NEGLIGENCE ALLEGED A hit-and-run charge, and another alleging negligent driving, were brought against David Wilson, aged 20, labourer, Manutuke, before Mr. Justice Callan and jury in the Gisborne Supreme Court yesterday. The charges concerned an accident on the main road at Manutuke on January 11, injuries being caused to Eleanor Rachel Grayson. Mr. A. A. Whitehead appeared for the accused. The following jury was empanelled: Thomas P. Hogan, foreman, David Lee, James A. Meban, Edric Lyndon, Alexander O. Clare, William S. Allan, John B. Waugh, Leslie G. R. Franks, William J. Attwood, Henry J. Wootton, Sydney Williams, and Andrew J. Russell. An outline of the evidence was given by the Crown prosecutor, Mr. F. W. Nolan, who stated that the injured girl, who was 13 years of age, did not have a lamp on her bicycle, bui carried an electric torch, which she kept alight throughout. The car, which had only one light, according to the girl’s evidence , swerved from the middlS of the road and came straight for her. The car seemed to be travelling at a great speed, evidence concerning which was also given by the girl’s mother. After the accident, the girl was taken to the Cook Hospital, the girl’s injuries being detailed by Dr. Norma M. Morey. A schoolboy, Whai Mataira, aged 14, gave evidence supporting that of the girl. Evidence of Passengers Nepia Stewart, a passenger , in the back seat of the car, said he felt a slight bump, as if the car had struck a depression in the road, when passing a cyclist, and mentioned the fact to the others, who, however, did not reply, apparently not hearing. The car pulled up at the store, and later returned to the spot, where a crowd had gathered beside the road. Paul Nepia Te Aturangi. labourer, Manutuke. also a passenger in the car, said he heard the previous witness ask if the car had struck something. John Maynard, labourer, Manutuke, part owner of the car with the accused, but who was not in the car at the time, said that the warrant of fitness in connection with the car had expired and had not been renewed. Constable L. Allen, Patutahi, also gave evidence. (Proceeding-)