HEAVY ROAD TRAFFIC.

Northern Advocate, 2 September 1913, Page 4

HEAVY ROAD TRAFFIC.

PROSECUTION BY COUNTY

COUNCIL.

DEFENDANT FINED.

At last sitting of the Magistrates Court evidence was part heard in a case in which the Whangarei County Council proceeded against William Robert Bayliss for breach of the county by-laws in that he had conducted heavy, continuous traffic over the Hikurangi-Jordan road, and thereby damaged th\e road iwithout first having entered into a bond to repair any such damage as might be caused. 7he case was then adjourned in order that defendant's counsel (Mr Rishworth) might call evidence in rebuttal of the testimony given by witnesses for the County Council. This morning Mr Bayliss appeared; as a witness. He said he had been carting over the* Hikurangi-Jordan road from July 17th to August 13th. Personally he had not driven over the road, but hiß man, innis McKenzie, had. There had been twelve trips from a place five miles from Hikurangi, and trips in between. Prior to July 17th the troad was in ordinary winter condition. It was sloppy. The road had been under water within the last fortnight. It was up to the horses' knees from Willis Johnston's place and right along. Within the last twelve months there had been considerable heavy carting over the roads. Logs and manure had been carted Three or four teams had gone over the road throughout the summer and into the winter. About twenty chains of metal were laid down in the autumn, and heavy carting had gone over it. He had never seen the logs going over the road, but he knew the carting had .been done. There was considerable settlement in the district. He had seen heavy loads of produce, etc., carted over the road during the last three or four months. He had seen during that period four and five-horse teams going over the road, the tyres of the vehicles in some instances , being light. Witness had used drays and a very light waggon with wide tyres. He had never used more than two horses on any occasion. He had received no warning whatever from the County Council He had told Qr. Mdlnnes tftiat he would repair any damage he might make. Unfortunately his driver could not appear to-day, owing to the sudden death of his brother. He could not say that Cr. Mclnnes had given him permission to cart, but he did understand that it would be alright if he made good the damage. To Mr Carruth: He had carted mining props and caps. At times three and four loads had been carted in a day. He was positive that no more than two horses had ever been used at one time. According to his driver nothing had been carted before July 17th. To Mr Page: Witness considered £2 would make good all the damage he had done to the road.

Defendant was convicted and fined £3 and costs (£1 16/).