Level Crossing Smash At Aramoho Has Sequel In Court

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 June 1948, Page 6

Level Crossing Smash At Aramoho Has Sequel In Court

"I have no doubt that defendant has been sufficiently punished by the shock of his experience,” commented Mr. J. H. Salmon, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court, Wanganui, yesterday, when imposing a tine of £2, costs 10s, on Harry Arthur Allen, farmer, Tekawa, near Te Awamutu. who pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cross the railway fine at Kaikokopu Road, Aramoho, when the track was not clear. Defendant did not appear, but aamitted the offence in a letter.

Senior-Sergeant F. Culloty told the Court that on May 21 last, defendant was staying with his father at Kaikokopu Road and at about 4.15 p.m. was driving his father’s car in a westerly direction. When crossing the railway line the car was struck by a mixed train bound from Wanganui to Hawera.

The car was capsized and defendant was trapped underneath. The only other occupant, the six-year-old child of a neighbour, was thrown clear. She received concussion and shock and was taken to the Wanganui Hospital by ambulance.

Defendant, who was uninjured stated that he did not see the train approaching till he was crossing the line. He was endeavouring to speed up and get clear when the impact occurred.

Senior-Sergeant Culloty added that the crossing was protected by warning bells on both sides of the track. Defendant, however, had stated that when travelling in a westerly direction along Kaikokopu Road he was unable to see a train approaching from Wanganui because of houses obscuring the vision. The Magistrate: You have no other evidence except the written admission?

Senior-Sergeant Culloty replied that defendant lived near Te Awimutu and did not wish to go to the trouble and expense of coming to Wanganui for the case.

The Magistrate said he would accept this procedure and imposed a fine of £2. with costs.