OVERTURNING OF CAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23206, 28 November 1938, Page 12

OVERTURNING OF CAR

MAORi BOY'S DEATH EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST [BY TELEGRATH OWN CORRESPONDENT] TAURANGA, Sunday An inquest into the death of Adam Ngarino Tutahi, aged seven, a Maori, who was killed on the Tauranga-Te Puke road on Thursday evening by the of a motor-car, was held at Tauranga by the coroner, Mr. C. T. McFarlano.

Tini Tutahi, aged 11, brother of deceased, said ho and his brother Simon were in the back seat of the car, and tho deceased in front alongside his uncle, Hughie Ngarino Tutahi. Just after rounding a bend the car swerved and turned over once. "When witness got up, Adam was under the car near the back wheel, but the car was not resting on him. The car was travelling very fast and witness was afraid something would happen. Hughie Ngarino Tutahi, of Maungatapu, said he came into town in a car belonging to John Ngatai. Ho got tlio car from Tom Muru, of Te Maunga. Tom Muru, Charlie McLeod and George McLeod came in with him. During the day they visited hotels aild had a few drinks of beer. They left town about six o'clock. He drove tho car. Ho later picked up his nephews. Tho others left tho car before tho accident occurred.

Regarding tho accident, witness said ho could not say what happened; it was all over in a second. Tho car swerved round and turned over. He was travelling at from 20 to 25 miles an hour. He had not tiino to apply tho brakes when ho felt the car swerve. He considered ho was quite fit to drive the car, although ho was feeling tho effects or tho liquor a little. Ho did not possess a driver's licence, although he had previously held one. Ho had been driving a car for about ton years. Tho coroner returned si verdict that death was due to injuries received as a result of bemfr thrown out of a motorcar driven by Hucliie Ngarino Tutahi.