MOTOR-TRUCK FATALITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23512, 24 November 1939, Page 5

MOTOR-TRUCK FATALITY

EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST [BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANG AREI, Thursday A verdict that deceased died as a result of injuries received when a truck driven by Michael McKeeney overturned on the main highway south of Whangaret on October 15 was returned by the district coroner, Mr. G. H. Morrisli. at an inquest into the death of Percival Thomas Hennessey. Ernest Gcith Curtis, foreman of lines employed by the North Auckland Power Board, gave evidence that the main item on the truck was a halfton drum of wire which was chocked in position. In reply to Mr. L. H. Sumpter, who appeared for McKeeney, he said that as an extra precaution a piece of wire was passed through tho centre of the drum. It would be possible for the drum to work loose and swing from side to side of the truck. If it had come loose it would ha re had a material effect in the control of the truck, * After a lengthy cross-examination in relation to the effect of the drum on the truck pursued by Mr. Sumpter. the coroner said tho questions were outside the scope of the inquiry. "I beg to differ," said Mr. Sumpter. "It means the whether my client stands trial for manslaughter or not. I must insist on every relevant point being sworn to by' witnesses while these things are fresh in their memories." The Coroner: We are ready to take any relevant evidence.