DANGEROUS PRACTICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23069, 21 June 1938, Page 11

DANGEROUS PRACTICE

CYCLING BESIDE MOTORS BOYS HOLD TO MILK FLOATS FATALITY'S SEQUEL IN COURT [by telegraph—own correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH. Monday The danger of the practice of allowing delivery boys on bicycles to hold on to milk floats was emphasised in the Police Court to-day, when Leo Marshall Gray, driver of a lorry which collided with a float, was charged with negligent driving, causing the death of a bov, Donald Charles Mavor, on May 12.* It was stated in evidence that the boy was holding on to the float, which was struck by the lorry on nn inter-

section. Mr. L. M. Moss, who appeared for accused, submitted that there was no evidence of negligence to justify the Court in putting accused upon his trial. Counsel said the collision, except for the death of the boy, was a very minor affair, and but for the fatality little might have been heard of it. The fatality, counsel continued, was the result of the practice allowed and follbwcd by milk vendors of permitting boys who assisted them in their deliveries to hold on to the side of milk floats while riding bicycles. This early morning habit was followed when there were no inspectors about, and showed need for some supervision at that time of the day to protect boys who were exposed to the danger. It was not fair to other users of the rond, especially when the practice was followed in cross main streets. "It is incongruous," said Mr. Moss, "that in such circumstances another motorist who was driving carefully should be blamed for the boy's death." The magistrate, Mr. W. H. Woodward, S.M., said the case was one ill which lie must commit accused for trial, so that the case could go before a jury. "I naturally do not wish to say much more about it at this stage," added Mr. Woodward, "but it must go to a jury, which will be directed whether some other person was also responsible in view of all the facts. However, the case must go for trial."