JURY DISAGREE.

Wairarapa Age, 6 August 1930, Page 5

JURY DISAGREE.

SECOND TRIAL OF WHAIs’GAREI BUS DRIVER. HIKURANGI CROSSING FATALITY. ANOTHER HEARING ORDERED. AUCKLAND, August 5. For the second time the Jury failed to agree in the Supreme Court on a charge of negligent driving brought against the driver of the bus that was concerned in the Hikurangi crossing tragedy on April 5 last. The bus was struck by a train and of the 10 passengers six were killed and four were severely injured. The driver of the bus, Noel Herbert Wilkinson, aged 18 (Mr. Singer) was tried without result last week and a second trial began on Monday. Mr. Justice Herdman heard the case and Mr. Meredith conducted the prosecution. Undef cross-examination by Mr. Meredith to-day, the accused said he did not see the sign post warning of the crossing, because it was on the right side and he was looking on the left. He never got a glimpse of the train at any time and did not know it was there until it hit the bus. Mr. Singer submitted that the only possible explanation of the accident was that given by the accused, that he was dazzled by the lights of the following car and lost his bearings. His Honour directed the jury to consider the ease apart from the tragic consequences of the accident. The question thfey had to answer was, did this young man keep a proper look-out. After an absence for the full period, the jury returned to report that there was no prospect of agreement. Mr. Meredith’s application for a new trial at the next criminal sessions in three months’ time, was granted, and the accused was released on his previous bail.—