ALLEGED RECKLESSNESS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3801, 18 January 1927, Page 7

ALLEGED RECKLESSNESS.

TAXI DRIVER ARRESTED.

CHRISTCHURCH, January Iv. A charge of manslaughter has arisen out of a motor smash which occurred near the intersection of Page’s road and Rudd’s road, on the way to New Brighton, last evening. The driver of a taxi, James L. Matthews, of 215 Milton street, was arrested to-day on a charge of recklessly driving a motor car and causing the death of Mrs C. W. Boon.

A motor truck containing eight people and a taxi were involved in the smash, both vehicles being <badly damaged. Those in thj motor truck were:—Mr and Mrs C. W. Boon, 48 Edinburgh street; Mr and Mrs G. Fergus, visitors to Christchurch; Mr T. J. H. R. Sullivan, 499 Ferry road; and Mr S. Sullivan, Ashburton, and two children.

Air Boon was driving the motor truck. He and those with him in the vehicle had been to New Brighton for a picnic, and were returning to their homes in Christchurch. They were travelling up Page’s road when the taxi driven by Matthews crashed into them. Mrs Boon was unconscious when picked up, and was taken to the Christchurch Hospital suffering from injuries to the head. An operation was performed, but Airs Boon did not recover and died just before midnight. The others were shaken and bruised, but not seriously injured. Air Boon was suffering from cuts and bruises, and was also taken to the hospital. Air Sullivdm was admitted with slight injuries to his nose. Another car load of people who had also taken part in the picnic was following behind the truck, but escaped the smash.

An inquest was opened at the hospital concerning Airs Boon’s death to-day, ami was adjourned sine die.

This afternoon, Alatthews appeared ia custody before Air 11. P. Lawry, S.AL, anj was charged with recklessly driving a motor car so as to cause the death of Ivy Louisa Boon.

Chief Detective Lewis applied for a remand, which was granted, until January 18. Bail was allowed—accused in his own recognisance of £2OO and one surety of £2OO.