COLLEGE HILL TRAMWAY ACCIDENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13397, 28 January 1907, Page 8

COLLEGE HILL TRAMWAY ACCIDENT.

THE JURY'S VERDICT.

CAB'S SPEED EXCESSIVE AND

DANGEROUS.

MOTORMAN ARRESTED ON MAN

SLAUGHTER CHARGE.

The inquest touching the death of John Graydon, who died from the injuries ho received in a collision with a tratncar at .Freeman'* Bay last Wednesday, was concluded before Mr. T. Gresham (City Coroner) on Saturday. Motorola Herbert Straker, driver of the car, continuing his evidence, said that 16 minutes was the time allowed for ears to travel from tho Home Hay terminus to Queen-street. He considered this sufficient time. Were ho not to lomplcto the distance within 16 minutes ho would bo subject to reprimand and would have to give reasons tor his delay. If ho were to complete tho distance under the stated time he would also be subject to reprimand. On Wednesday last the tars were taking more than their usual time owing to a lack of power.

This concluded the evidence. After half-m-hour's deliberation the. jury handed to the Coroner a written verdict and rider as follows:--" deceased's death was caused by his having been struck by car No. 9; that the speed of tho car was excessive and dangerous. The jury recommend that all ears running downhill bo compelled to come to a complete stop at Greenwoodstreet."

The Coroner asked tho jury if they wished to put. tho blame upon the motorman. The Foreman: Wo don't wish to apportion tin- blame. The Coroner said that if it wore intended to blame- tho motorman that would amount to a verdict, of manslaughter. A Juror: We don't feel that it is for us to say who was responsible for tho speed of the car. Another juror expressed the opinion that tho motorman did all tie could to prevent tho accident. The Coroner: Then shall I add. "that no blame is attached to the motorman?" After a brief discussion the Coroner re- ■ read the verdict and asked the jury if they wished to add anything to it. The Foreman: No, sir; nothing except the rider.

The Coroner then accepted the verdict. Shortly after tho -nquest the police arTested tho motorman, Herbert Straker, on a charge of manslaughter, and he was taken before Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court. Sergeant- Hendry explained the circumstances of the arrest, and asked for a remand until to-day. His Worshop granted tho remand. The accused asked for and was granted bail, in his own recognisances of £50 and two .sureties of £25 each. Messrs. P. M. Hansen and R. Burns, jun., were tho bondsmen.