FATALITY SEQUEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22461, 3 July 1936, Page 14

FATALITY SEQUEL

YOUNG MAN FOR TRIAL

'MOTOR-CYCLE STRIKES GIRL

ACCIDENT AFTER DANCE

ALLEGATION OF NEGLIGENCE

[by TELEGRArH —I'M ESS ASSOCIATION]

PALMERSTOX XORTH, Thursday

The inquest concerning tho death of Irene Merle Campbell, aged, 16, of Awahuri, who was killed shortly after midnight on April 17, when a motor-cycle, allegedly carrying three men, ran into a party of four returning from a dance, was continued to-day.

In conjunction with the inquest a charge agrfinst William Richard Paul, aged 21, a factory hand, of recklessly or negligently driving a motor-cycle, thereby causing tho death of Miss Campbell, was heard. Lauritz Ewart. aged 20, a farm hand, gave evidence that he attended Jack Telford's birthday party on the night of April 16. There was a half-gallon jar containing beer and also one bottle. The company included accused, who, as far as witness knew, had only ono drink. Later, Paul, Telford and witness came to Palmerston North and visited a hotel, where they had three drinks each. After they came out Paul went back with another man for 10 minutes. They then went to the Awahuri dance. Witness described the homeward journey before tho crash, stating that Paul | was driving the motor-cycle, Telford was sitting next to him, and witness was at the. back. The speed was 25 or 30 miles an hour. The coroner here intimated that he had ht?ard sufficient evidence to enable him to determine the circumstances and arrive at a definite decision concerning the cause of death. "In view of the proceedings now being taken, I make no comment on the evidence other than to gay that ':he sudden and tragic death of this young girl occurred in circumstances "which I am definitely of the opinion necessitate the fullest investigation," he said. He returned a verdict that death was due to injuries sustained through being struck by a motorcycle driven by Paul. Further - evidence was heard on the •charge against Paul. A statement by Paul to the police, in which he denied being in a hotel after leaving the birthday party, was read to the' Court.

Accused was committed to the Supreme Court for trial.