TRAMWAY MATTERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2600, 7 September 1909, Page 4

TRAMWAY MATTERS.

CHRISTCHURCH OPINION ON THE AUCKLAND MANSLAUGHTER CASE.

(Pee Press Association.! CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 6. The remarks of Mr. Justice Edwards in the Auckland manslaughter case, relating to the standard of care expected from tramway conductors, was referred to with approval by Mr. J. A. Flesher at the meeting of the Christchurch Tramway Boara to-day. Mr. Flesher said that in Christchurch some of the conductors were not as careful as they might be in regard to the safety of passengers, and he would like -to see the Judge’s observations printed and included in the rule book issued by. the Board for the guidance of conductors and motormen. Mr. Flesher moved in that direction, and the motion was seconded by Mr. W. R-eece and earned. The Tramway Beard's account from April Ist, the beginning of the financial year, to August 15th. shows a surplus of £l4O 6s lOd on the revenue account, as against £331 9s Id deficiency for the same period last year.

During the hearing of the charge of manslaughter against the motorman and the ’conductor of the tramcar on which the accident occurred whereby Mrs. Annie Horsnell was killed, a witness named Euphemia Phipps recounted the circumstances under which Mrs. Horsnell sustained the accident which resulted in her death. She stated that before arriving at Captain Street/ where - she and the deceased wished to alight, the bell was rung. When they got to the back of the car the car stopped. Sirs. Horsnell stepped on to the step, and then the car started with a jerk and deceased fell off. Witness heard no signal of any kind for the car to start.

Cross-examined by Mr. Prendergast: "Witness usually heard the bell ring when it was rung. She would not admit that she did not hear it frequently. His Honor: If there is any doubt about that we can have the car brought down Symonds Street outside the Court. The bell ought to be heard. Mr. J. R. Reed: Well, the car is 43ft long Your Honor. His Honor: That has nothing to do with it. The conductor ought to ring the hell loud so that the passengers can hear.

Mr. Prendergast: That- is not the object for which the bell is rung. His Honor: Very well, then it onght to be; that is. all I have to 6ay. The passengers have a. right to be warned. Mr. Prendergast: It is not in the bylaws. His Honor: There is something above and beyond by-laws —namely, commonsense. • ■. . ..