A TRAM ACCIDENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13875, 12 April 1907, Page 5

A TRAM ACCIDENT.

MOTORMAN CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER.

(Pee United Pkess Associraos.)

AUCKLAND, April 11. The inquest on tho body of Mr Charles Ilcnry Bust able, aged' 86, who was knocked down by a .tramcar in Karangahape road on the evening of March 2, was concluded to-day, after having lasted tipwards of three days. The jury brought, in the_ following verdict"That the dcafl) of Mr Unstable was caused by his being knocked down by a tramcar, tho said car being driven at a greater rate of speed than made it possible for Wilr-on (the motorman) to pull up in a. reasonable distance."

Tho Coroner (Mr Gresham): That amounts to a verdict of manslaughter. The Foreman: Wo consider that- there is no shadow cast on tho motorman, and that ho did his best to slop tho ear. The Coroner: Tho car was in tho control of the Tramways Company's agent, who is responsible.. You can qualify your verdict. A Juror: We believe the motorman was acting according to instructions. The Coroner: There is no division in criminality.

The Foreman: We consider that the car was going at ail excossivc. rate of speed.

A Juryman: I could not agree "to our verdict after hearing what Mr Grcsham has said. Another Juryman: You have signed it. The Coroner: This is a, vcrdict of manslaughter. Without, wishing to direct you in any way, I will say that if the caso went to the Supreme Court it would probably be thrown out. Sergeant Hendry: As the vcrdict stands I have no option but to arrest tho motorman. At this stage the jnrv received permission from the coroner to again retire, and after about 20 minutes' more deliberation il was decidcd to allow the verdict as given abovo to stand. Tho following riders were added to the verdict:—"That the City Council be asked to take such action as will prevent such a high rate of sliced as is being run at present in the busiest parts of tho city and suburbs"; "that the City Council be asked to discontinue the use of salt water on the tram rails, as it is shown conclusively at this inquest that tho said salt water renders tho track clnnjierons."

Wilson (the molcnnan) was arrested, and taken before Mr Kettle, S.M. He was formally charged with manslaughter, and was remanded till to-morrow, bail being allowed.