VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16310, 17 August 1916, Page 9

VERDICT OF NOT GUILTY

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER.

MOTOR-DRIVER ACQUITTED.

SEQUEL' TO RECENT FATALITY.

[Br TKLF.OHAPR.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

PALMERSTON NORTH. Wednesday. At the Supreme Court, before the Chief Justice, Thomas Stanley Madge appeared on a charge of the manslaughter of Mrs. Growdy, who was killed as the result of. a railway accident at Taonui railway crossing, in which a train and a motorcar driven by Madge came into collision, and two passengers in the car met their deaths.

J. D. Evans, one of *the passenger? in the car, said he considered Madge a most careful driver. If he had not been so careful the accident might not have happened, as if he had been going faster lie would have got over the line before the engine struck the car. He did not hear the whistle. The driver and fireman of the express train that came into collision with the car gave evidence as to blowing the whistle and pulling up the train. The defence contended that Madge had taken every precaution. Ho had not heard the whistle, and had looked back three chains away from the crossing. ! Further evidence was given as to Madge's ! goqd character and carefulness as a car I driver. ! His Homy said the jury had to find whether accused had taken reasonable precaution and care. There was no suggestion that accused had acted wilfully. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and accused was discharged.