CYCLIST’S DEATH.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 17 March 1926, Page 8

CYCLIST’S DEATH.

CHERTSEY ROAD FATALITY. MOTORIST CHARGED WITH , MANSLAUGHTER. By Telegraph — Press Association ASHBURTON, March 16. Tho inquest into the death of Joseph Claude Pearce, who died iu hospital on March 7 from injuries received the night before, when his cycle was struck by a passing car (winch did not stop) on the Chertsey road, was continued to-day, when very lengthy evidence was taken. Various witnesses gave evidence that two ears passed them on the road going at a speed estimated variously front forty to’sixty miles an hour. The yoilng man Lysaght, who was with Pearce, said tho first car passed,’ and tlie second apparently struck deceased. Witness saw him falling to the ground after the second motor went by. George Rogers, garage proprietor, owner of the first car, said that on the Monday following the accident he advised Betts, who drove tho car which allegedly struck deceased, to go and tell the police, but lie did not do so. Another witness, named McSlierry, a mechanic, however, stated that Rogers tolcl Betts to ‘‘sing dumb,” as “the least said the soonest mended.” McSherry was at the garage when Betts came in after the accident. Betts said he- thought, a stono from : Rogers’ car hit his windscreen, but he went back with McSherry in another car. They found Pearce lying by. the! side of the road, but from what the doctor saicl he thought his injuries were not serious. When he heard Pearce was dead on Sunday, he deckled to take Betts to see Rogers. The police produced the bicycle anti the damaged mudguard of Betts’ cur. ~ Joseph'P. Betts, a motor mechanic, said something broke his windscreen, near Mitcham Road. He thought, it must have been a’stone from onej ol the cars in front, which he did liot See on account of the dust. Later, in Ashburton, lie found the mudguard bent. McSherry drove him back, and they found Pearce on the .road.. Witness did not think ho could have hit deceased. MeShcrity and witness saw Rogers, who said: “The least said soonest mended.” On Monday Rogers said he should tell the police, hut wjtness did not because he was not sure that lie had hit Pearce. Latei - he gave a statement to the police, , The Coroner found that Pearce died as the result of being hit by a motor' cor driven by Betts. _ Betts then appeared betore.a uncharged with negligent driving, so as to cause tho death of Pearce, thereby committing manslaughter. Betts pleaded not guilty,, a.nd Jns defence was reserved. , . He was committed for trial at the ■ Supreme Court at Christchurch.