Motor Cyclist's Death the Subject of an Inquiry An inquest was held at the U.
Court on Thursday afternoon before Mr. F. J. Schuhl, Commissioner acting as Coroner, and a jury of six, to investigate into the circumstances surrounding the death of Albert E. Childs.
Deceased and two others were taking a ride on a motor cycle last Friday night when, in trying to avoid a collision with an approacning motor car, the machine ran into a water hydrant on Bubbling Weill Road at the "S" curve near Gordon Road.
Dr. E. G. Gauntlett testified that he attended deceased who suffered from a broken skull which resulted in meningitis and finally his death. There was a wound over the right eye as well as a scalp wound. Childs was only able to give his own name and address but knew nothing about the accident. There Was no post mortem examination. The wound had been dressed, he was told. at another Hospital.
J. J. Maloney, an engineer, said that he was with Childs on the night of the accident. They had been to a meeting of ex-service men in the Navy Y. M. C. A. After this they had a drink at the Oriental Hotel where they met another ex-service man who they invited out for a ride. They were proceeding along Bubbling Well Road in the high centre of the road, followed by large motor car. They were travelling at a speed of about 12 miles an hour and had reached the double' curve on Bubbling Well Road when the big car tried to rush past them without any warning whatever. Childs' motor cycle was forced on to the side of the road on to the side-walk, and collided with the water hydrant. The big car did not stop.
In answer to questions by the jury:—Childs was a cool hand and was not liable to become panic-stricken or excited. The accident could have been avoided had the; big car waited until the curve was passed instead of trying to pass.
Continuing, Mr. Maloney said that as soon gs he realized that Childs was huff he stopped an oncoming car and rushed deceased off to the nearest hospital where his wounds were attended to.
The case was adjourned until next day.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.