CYCLIST’S DEATH

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19763, 19 December 1935, Page 8

CYCLIST’S DEATH

ACCIDENT NEAR HUNTLY. SWERVED INTO MOTOR-CAR. FURTHER EVIDENCE DESIRED. An extraordinary accident in which a cyclist apparently swerved on to his incorrect side into an approaching car was the -subject of an adjourned inquest at Hamilton to-day before the District Coroner, Mr S. L. Paterson S.M., who expressed a desire to hear an independent witness and accordingly adjourned the inquiry. Deceased was Harold James Roy Sheeran, aged 34, storekeeper, of Huntly, who died in the Waikato Hospital at 6.35 p.m. on November 2a without regaining consciousness. Mr W. J. King appeared for the driver of the car and Mr K. S. Caldwell for the relatives of the deceased. The evidence of -Dr- T. H. Knightof the medical -staff of the Waikato Hospital, was produced. In witness’ opinion the death of deceased was due to laoeration of the brain following on a fracture of the skull. Fraser Maxwell Nairn, insurance inspector, employed by the Alliance Assurance Company, Hamilton, stated that at 6.30 a.m. on November 25 he left Auckland for Hamilton. He had two passengers, Miss Lewis and Mr Sinclair with him in the front seat. At about -8.40 a.m. when he was about one mile from Huntly he was driving on his correct side when he noticed a cyclist approaching on his correct side. Witness passed over a two-car bridge and when about 30ft. away the cyclist turned and cycled across to his incorrect side. The cyclist had his head down and he had a strong headwind to contend with. Failed to See Car. It was clear that the cyclist failed to -see witness' -car and struck it when the car was 3ft- from the left edge of the road. Witness pulled up in a car length. He slackened speed to about 25 miles per hour approaching the bridge and sounded his horn. Witness could not. account for the fact of the deceased swerving to the -right. Hector Byron Sinclair, draper, of Hamilton, a passenger in the car, said there was ample room for driving with three in the front seat. He corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. Edward William Sheeran, storekeeper, of Huntly, recalled, said deceased, his son, was in good health up to the time of his death. At frequent intervals, however, he was subject to fits. His sight and hearing were perfect. Constable D. Craigie, of Huntly, gave evidence of skid marks and measurements. He said it would have been impossible for the motorist to get any further over on the correct side of the road. The brakes of Nairn’s car appeared to be in excellent condition. Sergeant T. Kelly, who conducted the inquiry, stated that he had no further evidence to offer. He had a statement obtained from Herbert Alan Hall who was in a following car, but that statement merely corroborated Nairn’s evidence.

The Coroner: Well, we should have it- It is the only independent evidence available. For all we know tlie cyclist may have been riding in the opposite direction and have been struck from behind.

Mr King said the bicycle, which showed that the front wheel only was damaged, could be produced. The sergeant agreed to produce the Auckland witness and the inquest was adjourned until Monday.