TAKAPUNA ACCIDENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19302, 15 April 1926, Page 12

TAKAPUNA ACCIDENT.

MOTOR AND CART COLLIDE. TWO CHARGES DISMISSED. Arising out of a collision between a motor-car and a horse and cart at (he corner of Lake Road and Byron Avenue, Takapuna, early on the evening of January 28, charges of being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor car, and of driving in a negligent manner were preferred against Alfred Naughton, garage proprietor, of Devonport (Mr. Singer), at the Police Court yesterday. Constable Wood said' he considered accused was under the influence of liquor when seen after the accident. Accused refused to make a statement, and was taken to the police station, where he was examined about an hour later by a doctor. A medical certificate was given, in which it was stated that 110 traces of liquor could bo found on him and that he was not intoxicated. Witness said he questioned Naughton, who said he was not given enough room on the road by a motor-bus.

Naughton said he had gone to Takapuna on business and had only had two drinks that day. He saw the cart when he was ten yards away, but the steering wheel refused to respond. Ho was travelling at about 20 miles an hour and could only put the accident down to tho bursting of of a tyre. Tho car, which was practically new, was damaged to the extent of £IOO. The magistrate said he was not satisfied that accused was drunk, and he would also give him tho benefit of the doubt on the charge of negligent driving. Both charges were dismissed.