THE RECENT ACCIDENT.

Thames Star, Volume LX, Issue 16959, 4 December 1926, Page 5

THE RECENT ACCIDENT.

AT MATATCKI QUARRY. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. A MOTION DEFEATED. In consequence of the recent accident at Matatoki quarry, for which the Thames County Council claimed damages from Mr W. White, whose son was driving the locomotive at the time, Mr White, with his solicitor, Mr E. J. Clendon, waited upon the Council at its monthly meeting on Thursday, to lay certain facts before the Council. Mr Clendon said before placing their side of the accident, he wished to state that if the Council intended to proceed with the matter he desired an undertaking from the Council that whatever information was given at the meeting it would not be used against his client later.

The County chairman assured Mr Clendon that if he wished the Council would go into committee. Mr Clendon said that would meet the case, and the Council_adopted this course.

Upon resuming standing orders, Cr McCormick said that while he held no brief for White, from what he had heard he was inclined to think it was a pure accident. Cr Cribb said if the Council did not proceed it would be turning down the engineer’s and Grover’s report on the accident. In view of these reports, he could not ask his ratepayers to bear the cost of the accident. The boy White no doubt wished to help his father to keep his metal supply contract going, and he may have had the desire to help Grover personally, who was in hospital with a bad hand, and by helping Grover he was also helping the Council. Before going on the job he should have obtained the sanction of the engineer. At the same time he admired the boy’s pluck for sticking to the locomotive

The chairman questioned very much, -after taking into consideration all the circumstances whether a magistrate Would give a decision in favour of the Council.

Cr McCormick moved that the Council waive their claim against White. This was seconded by Cr Alley. Cr Courtney moved as an amend, ment thgt the Council press for half the amount claimed.

This was seconded by' Cr Prescott. Upon being put to the meeting, Cf Courtney, Prescott, Cribb and McMahon voted for it, and the chairman declared the amendment carried. In reference to the claim for £23 for damages to the road, in carrying out a contract, against Mr White, Cr Cribb moved that the Council enforce the claim.' This failed to find a seconder. The chairman then moved that, after taking into consideration ’ all the circumstances, no further action be taken. Cr Alley seconded.

When the chairman asked for those in favour of the motion, nobody spoke, and on asking for those against, Cr Cribb immediately said “No;” and the chairman declared the motion lost, as Cr Cribb was the bnly vote cast.

The Council then for lunch. .'. :

After the luncheon adjournment, Cr Cribb said he was quite willing to reopen the question if the Council was unanimous. This was agreed to.

Cr Courtney said he could not support the motion He recognised that a certain amount of damage was done, although Mr White was not responsible for all of it. , Cr Cribb moved as an amendment that £l2/10/- be claimed. This was seconded by Cr Courtney.

For the amendment, Crs Cribb, Courtney, Prescott and McMahon voted for it, while Cr McCormick voted against

The amendment was declared carried.