NEGLIGENT DRIVING

Southland Times, Issue 22296, 11 April 1934, Page 6

NEGLIGENT DRIVING

CHARGE AGAINST RETIRED FARMER. MOTOR CYCLIST’S DEATH. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, April 10. Arising from the death of Percy Reynolds Philpott when his motorcycle collided with a car on the main North road at Kaiapoi on January 30, James McGivern, a retired farmer, aged 62, appeared in the Magistrates Court charged with negligently driving his car so as to cause the death of Philpott. A second charge of driving in a manner dangerous to the public was preferred. Another motorist, Ronald Graham, said that McGivern’s car was forty yards behind witness, and the driver seemed to make no effort to pass. Witness heard a bang immediately after the motor cycle from the opposite direction passed him, whereupon .he pulled up and found that a collision had taken place between the motor cycle and the following motor car. He went back and found the car on the wrong side of the road, facing Christchurch. The motor cycle was off the concrete on the correct side of the road. The rider, Philpott, was a few yards further on, lying against the hedge. He was seriously injured. Constable Conway gave evidence that the accused had at first refused to make a statement. He said he knew a man who received six months’ imprisonment for making a statement. Later the accused made a written statement, which had been read at the inquest. . The accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial on the first charge. ______