NEGLIGENT DRIVING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19792, 12 November 1927, Page 15

NEGLIGENT DRIVING.

MAORI CAR OWNER FINED

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] OPOTIKI. Friday.; The sequel to a motor accident at the corner of King Street and Domain Road. Whakatane, occupied the attention of Mr W. G. Kendriek, S.M., for a considerable time in the Whakatane Magistrate's Court, when Keria Hemopo (Mr. Hobin> was charged with negligent driving and driving at a speed dangerous to the public For the prosecution, several Maoris who wtre in the car were called to prove that the car travelled along Domain Road at a very fast pace, and was unable to turn into King Street, and was nearly capsized. Defendant's evidence was that ho parked his car behind the Whakatane Hotel and went to bed at 10 p.m., and that his car was removed without his authority. Evidence was called to show that it was practically impossible for the driver to have escaped uninjured, as the solid hood of the car had been crushed down so far as to shatter the steeringwheel. Further evidence showed that defendant was awakened from his bed not long after the accident, and then showed no signs of injury, nor were bis clothes Marked m any way. The magistrate held that defendant was the driver at the time of the accident, and fined him £lO and costs on the charge of negligent driving. The other charges were withdrawn. Security for appeal was fixed at £7 7s.