MOTOR FATALITY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20952, 3 November 1939, Page 9

MOTOR FATALITY

DRIVER FOR TRIAL (Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Thursday A sequel to a collision between two motor-cars at the intersection of View Road and Esplanade Road, Mount Eden, on May 14, was heard in the Police Court, today, when Thomas Henry Wise, aged 39, was charged before Mr J. Morling, S.M., with negligently driving, and thereby causing the death of Alexander Crawford Steele, aged 86. Evidence was given by Dr. S. A. Bull that the immediate cause of deceased’s death was pneumonia, the result of shock and nervous depression. m Witnesses stated that the car driven by accused struck that in which deceased was a passenger, causing it to turn over several times. Mr D. Johnston, representing accused, said that a prima facie case had not been established, and he moved for the dismissal of the information. It had been stated in evidence that the car was old and not capable of a high speed. Referring to the question of a breach of the right-hand rule, Mr Johnston said evidence had been given that the car in which deceased was travelling appeared to be stopping. This would be sufficient justification for accused to go over the intersection. It had been shown that injuries received by deceased were of a minor nature and that he was allowed to go home from hospital. Accused was entitled to any doubt that, if he were negligent, the negligence was not the cause of death. The magistrate said there was quite sufficient evidence to justify accused being committed for trial by the Supreme Court. Accused pleaded not guilty and his bail was renewed in one surety of £IOO or two sureties of £SO.