ERROR OF JUDGMENT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17238, 19 April 1930, Page 4

ERROR OF JUDGMENT

A LAND AGENT'S DEATH CAR GOES OVER BANK That death was caused by injuries received in a motor accident on the Wangaehu road on April 8, the accident being caused through an error of judgment, was the verdict returned by tho coroner, Mr. £. G. Eton, in an inquest to-day touching upon the death 4 oi' Francis William Pomton, a land agent, of Masterton. Edward Henry -Ricketts, insurance inspector, of Masterton, who was a passenger in Pointon's car on the night of the accident, said that he'and deceased left Masterton about 6.30 p.m., and having transacted their business at Wangaehu, left on the return journey about 7.45 p.m. Deceased passed the remark when driving back that he would take his time, as the road was rather tricky. After nine miles of the journey bad ueen completed deceased apparently swerved to his wrong side—evidently having mistaken the road. "I distinctly remember him making tho remark, T am sorry,' just as the car was toppling over the bank," witness said. "After that all that I remember is going over the bank and sustaining a nasty knock." Later witness recovered consciousness and searched for deceased near the car, but could not find him. Ho hailed a passing car, driven by Mr. J. McGregor, inn., and the two men continued the search, finding deceased lyingi near a culvert. Replying to Mr. R. R. Hnrridge, who appeared for the Wairarapa Automobile Association Mutual Insurance Co.. witness said there bad been no trouble experienced prior to the accident. The car was in good order, and there had had no tire trouble. The coroner returned a verdict as mentioned above.