“Evidence concerning an accident involving a motor-cycle and a cycle at the intersection of Ferry road and Randolf street on the evening of July 1st was given by several witnesses yesterday when an inquest was held into the deaths of Lawrence Gideon Henderson, a soldier, aged 26, and William Alfred Eade, a fitter and turner, aged 19. Henderson was the owner and driver of the motor-cycle, and Eade was riding the cycle. Mr E. C. Levvey, District Coroner, presided. Frederick M. Gracie stated that on the evening of the accident, he and Eade were riding home from work. At they were aware of a tram behind them and kept well to the correct
side of the road. Just before they arrived the intersection of Ferry road and Randolph street he heard a motorcycle their rear, but did not know immediately that Eade had been struck. It was dark at the time, but the weather was good. He could not estimate the speed of the motor-cycle. Robert W. McRobie, a soldier, stated that he was a pillion rider on the motor-cycle, which was not travelling than 30 miles an hour. He noticed two cyclists travelling in the same direction when they were about 15 yards away. He warned Henderson and was aware of a reduction in speed. The driver also eased the motor-cycle over gradually, but witness saw that sufficient room had not been left. He was of the opinion that the front wheel of the motor-cycle first touched the back wheel of the cycle. Judging by the distance the motorcycle travelled after the impact, it appeared that it was travelling at a high speed, stated Constable P. Fallon, giving evidence. Henderson was found to have died through toxic myocarditis due to gangrene following a compound fracture of a leg, and Eade was found to have died through compression of the brain due to extra dural haemorrhage, following a blow on the head.”
[Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23709, 6 August 1942, Page 3]
