Auckland Motoring Tragedy

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1938, Page 9

Auckland Motoring Tragedy

f Special to “Northern Advocate.'’] AUCKLAND, This Day. An inquest was opened yesterday before Mr F. K. Hunt, into the deaths of Mrs Vera Lawson, aged 36, and her children, Joan Lawson, aged 13, Peter Lawson, aged 9, and Gladys Lawson, aged 6, who were drowned under tragic circumstances on the Auckland waterfront late on Wednesday night, when a car driven by Mr Lawson plunged into the harbour. In evidence, Mr J. R. Lawson, brother of the driver, Mr Harold J. Lawson, said his brother had been suffering from nervous strain owing to pressure of work for the past month. He was in good financial circumstances, and was devoted to his wife and family; who had been in good health. Ho had been driving cars for about 18 months, and often took his wife and family for a drive in the evening after work. Witness added that his brother was a good and very careful driver, and his eyesight was good. The inquest, at this stage, was adjourned sine die, and the coroner paid a visit to the scone of the accident. The burial of the four victims took place to-day.