FALL FROM BICYCLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 189, 13 August 1940, Page 6

FALL FROM BICYCLE

YOUNG MAN’S DEATH “WAS ACCIDENTAL,’’ SAYS THE CORONER MISHAP WHEN DECEASED’S FATHER WAS DRIVING LORRY “It seems clear from the statements read here to-day that this was an accidental death,” said the Wanganui coroner, Mr. S. M. Dixon, J.P., at an inquest yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the death of Francis Charles Howard, aged 18, which occurred on August 7 last after an accident in which a bicycle which the deceased was riding and a motorlorry driven by deceased’s father was involved.

“It may be a moot point as to whether the lorry passed over the body of the deceased, but it is safe to assume from the evidence that the injuries were caused when he fell from his bicycle, and the verdict will be accordingly,” the coroner added.

The verdict was that the deceased came by his death on August 7, 1940, the cause of death being due to fracture dislocation of the cervical vertebrae, with destruction of the spinal cord, such injuries being sustained when the deceased fell from a bicycle he was riding against a lorry driven by Charles Howard.”

Mr. C. F. Treadwell represented the Wanganui City Council, Mr. B. C. Haggitt the indemnifiers of the council in respect to the lorry, and Mr. H. G. Horsley appeared for the General Assurance Company, indemnifiers of the council in regard to workers’ compensation. Mr. J. J. Scott represented the Wanganui Labourers’ Union.

Constable R. D, Gardner appeared for the police. Medical Evidence Dr. H. L. Widdowson, medical superintendent of the Wanganui Public Hospital, deposed that death had occurred a few minutes before he had examined the body. “In my opinion death was due to fracture dislocation of the cervical vertebrae, with the destruction of the spinal cord,” stated witness. “The injury could have been caused by the deceased being pitched on his head. The injuries do not cause me to think that the wheel of the lorry passed over any 'part of the deceased’s body. The injury to the left arm could have been caused by a wheel of the lorrypassing over it.” Constable R. D. Gardner gave evidence as to the locality where the accident happened, Parsons Street. 100 paces from the corner of Halswell Street. He said that there were some large stones at the locality, these projecting from the surface of the ground. Some were as large as tennis balls. Leo. Bernard Trillo, labourer, employed by the City Council, said that the lorry stopped to Jet him get off. After he had alighted the deceased, on his bicycle, rode up alongside the vehicle. The lorry was moving and the deceased rode up alongside the •driver's cabin. He then fell back and rode alongside the lorry, talking to the other occupants at the back of the lorry. “After the lorry had travelled about 100 yards along Parsons Street for Halswell Street, the bicycle the deceased was riding seemed suddenly to tip over towards the right, as if it was caught by a stone, and slide under the right back wheel of the lorry,” said witness. “Deceased was

caught under the bicycle and the lorry appeared to pass over the bicycle and deceased. As the lorry passed over the back wheel of the bicycle, the bicycle slewed round, throwing the deceased towards the grass on the edge of the roadway. The lorry, in my opinion, would be travelling at an estimated speed of 10 miles an hour. After the accident the lorry travelled a distance of approximately 15 yards before it came to a standstill.” Father’s Evidence. Charles Howard, father of the deceased and driver of the lorry, said that deceased was on his way home to his mid-day meal when the accident occurred. Witness had seen him «ride up alongside the lorry. “After I had travelled about 100 yards from the corner of Halswell Street, I heard deceased’s bicycle crash to the roadway,” said witness. The lorry was stopped immediately. Joseph Ernest Scott, labourer, employed by the City Council, said he was in the back of the lorry, facing the cab, his legs hanging down from the tray. There were two other men with him. The lorry stopped and Trillo got off. While it was stopped, witness said, he saw the deceased ride his bicycle along the right-hand side of the cab and speak to his father. When Trillo got off the lorry moved forward. When it had travelled along Parsons Street, witness heard a crash and felt the rear wheels of the lorry run over something. There was a distinct bump. “I did not at any time see the deceased riding alongside the lorry after leaving Halswell Street,” said witness. Similar evidence was given by John Martin Day. He saw the deceased, but looked away and when he looked back the deceased was not there.