ACCIDENT IN CUTTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 14

ACCIDENT IN CUTTING.

WORKMAN STRUCK BY CAR.

DRIVER FAILS TO STOP.

JUDGMENT FOR £3O DAMAGES.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

PUKEKOIIE, Wednesday

An accident in a one-way cutting on the Great South Road between Mercer and Rangiriri on April 26 had a soquel in the I'ukekoho Magistrate's Court to-day. Frederick A. who described himself as a showman, was ordered to pay A. V. Johansson, a roadman, who had been struck by defendant's car, £3O 2s damages. Defendant was also ordered to pay costs, 10s, for negligent driving, and costs, 10s, on a charge, of failing to stop after an accident.

Evidence was given that Johansson was working on tho side of the road when defendant camo through tho cutting in bis car. Johansson was bending down and jumped forward as ho saw tho car upon him. However, it struck him on tho arm, inflicting an injury which prevented him from working for a fortnight, and which still had its effects at times. Johansson's workmates called out and ono throw a stono to attract Staig's attention. Defendant looked back and appeared to slow down a little, but then speeded up and disappeared at a. fast pace. The driver of a works lorry, the engine of which was running, gave chase, it was stated, but although his speed reached 35 miles an hour, ho did not see tho car again. Defendant did not stop before entering tho cutting or when signalled to stop after the accident.

Defendant said that on approaching the cutting a workman signalled him to continue. He felt a bump and his wife looked back, while ho slowed down. His wife said a man on the road was waving to them to go on, so apparently no one had been injured. Ho therefore proceeded. Defendant's wife also gave evidence.

Tho magistrate, Mr. F. H. Lcvien, said discrepancies in tho evidence for the dofence must lead him to disregard it. Judgment was given for Johansson for tho full amount claimed, and costs were imposed on tho two charges against Staig, which wero brought by tho traffic inspector for tho Highways Board, E. 11. Barrett.