FATAL ACCIDENT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 375, 17 March 1932, Page 18

FATAL ACCIDENT.

Coroner’s Remarks on Woolston Smash. INSPECTOR’S EVIDENCE. The accident in which Cecil Clive Middleton, a single man, twenty-five years of age, of New Brighton, lost his life, was investigated by Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M., at an inquest yesterday. The accident happened in Ilargood’s Street, Woolston, at 10.25 p.m. on February 23. The motor-cycle was ridden by Middleton, and in the side-chair was Traffic Inspector S. F. Napper, of the Ileathcote County Council. The machine overtook two push-cyclists, and, after the brakes had been applied, struck one of the cycles, ridden by S. Virtue. The motor-cycle was overturned. A verdict was returned that death was due to injuries received when, in an endeavour to avoid a cyclist, Middleton was thrown from the motorcycle that he was riding. “ The evidence is not sufficient to be conclusive as to speed,” said Mr Lawry after delivering his finding, “ and it does not suggest that Middleton was incapacitated by liquor. Although there is no doubt that he had had liquor, it is not disclosed that it had rendered him incompetent.” Sidecax Tested.

Sydney Frederick Napper stated that on the night of the accident he was out of uniform and was acting solely as a ranger. Prior to being called on by Middleton he had intended .to go round the district and look for stray cattle. lie originally intended to go on his own motorcycle, but it was undergoing repairs. At home he was called on by Middleton and after a long conversation it was decided that Middleton should take witness round the district. Witness was informed that the side-car gave trouble through lifting during turns to the left. Witness and Middleton left home about 8 p.m. Witness was in the side-car. While going the rounds of the district they tested the side-car, finding that it lifted when turning to the left. After a time they drove to Ileathcote Valley. On arriving near the railway line a mob of cattle was encountered. They were in the charge of two small boys, who were mounted on a horse. Middleton pulled up the motor-cycle, witness getting out and speaking to the boys. Middleton then asked if there was a telephone handy, as he wanted to make an apology for a broken appointment. Witness told him that the only 'phone he knew of was at the hotel. They drove to the hotel. They were shown into the sitting-room by the daughter of the house. Middleton went to the ’phone. Witness and the hostess were talking for some time when she asked him if he would like a little refreshment. Witness thanked her and accepted a glass of ale. Shortly afterwards, Middleton returned to the room and was asked to have some refreshment. He had a shandy and witness had another glass of ale. Middleton then asked the daughter of the house to have one with him. She stated that as she was a friend of witness she would join them. Middleton had a glass of shandy and witness had a glass of ale. Machine Turned Over.

They then left the hotel and proceeded back to Ferry Road. When approaching Dyer’s Road, witness asked Middleton to turn to the right. Middleton protested that the road was too rough and they turned to the right down Hargood Street. They travelled along the left-hand side of the road for 300 or 400 yards. About this point a cyclist appeared in the line of the light, making in an angle towards the left. Middleton applied his brakes and turned towards the right to pass the cyclist. Another cyclist then came into the light. Middleton applied his brakes suddenly and turned sharply to the left. The machine rose and turned over. Witness remembered nothing further until he found himself endeavouring to disconnect the battery. Witness heard Middleton groaning and could see that he was badly injured. Witness went to the nearest house for help. A person answered him through the window and refused to give assistance. Witness then went to Middleton. One of the cyclists came back and offered to do what he could. Witness sent him to ring for the ambulance, which arrived in quick time. Middleton died before he was placed in the ambulance. Witness suffered a broken nose and facial injuries. Constables Beattie and Bosworth also gave evidence.