Perth Amboy evening news., 1922-01-10
NOT GUILTY VERDICT IS
FOUND IN FERRY CASE
CONTINUED from page ~

With these statements acknowl-
edged, the state called Charles
Pearsall, a deckhand on the ferry
boat It the time of the accident, as
the first witness. Pearsall said he
had been in the pilot house of the
boat during the trip across the
sound but that when the craft drew
into the slip he came down on the
lower deck to assist in making fast
according to his usual custom. He
said he opened the gate to get out
on the forward deck, fastening it
behind him, and the e. thing he
knew he was struck from behind
Z and knocked overheard. While on
the stand the witness explained
that the ferry company was now in
stalling gangways for the use of the
!. passengers on the boats.
Dr.. George w. Tyrrell, of Perth
Amboy, who attended Mrs. Slaight
1t the City Hospital. testified that
she had died from injuries to her
back, while Thomas McKeown, tic
ket chopper at the wharf, said he
took down the chains on the pier
when the ferry made the slip. His
back was toward the boat while do
ing his work and his attention was
attracted by screams. When he
turned around l3 said he saw Mrs.
Slaight pinned by Nagy's ar.
Patrolman Joseph Dwyer, who
was on traffic duty at the foot of
Smith street on the day of the oc-
c%urrence, was ext en- the stand and
the officer described his investiga-
ton made after he heard screams
coming from the boat as it was
locked. He boarded the craft and
discovered Mrs. Slaight being crush
ed by the car driven by Macy, he
said Detective John Murray of the
Perth Amboy police department.
also testifiGr concerning a conversa-
ton held with Macy fifteen minutes
after the crash. Murray maintain
ed that the chauffeur informed him
of leaving mis- car in speed after he
stalled the motor at Tottenville.
The fact tina the brakes on the
automobile were in doubtful condi-
ton was brought out by Harry G,
Burton, of the state department OF
motor vehicles, who questioned Macy
at the Perth Amboy police station
upon orders from Commissioner Dill,
The driver is declared to have told
Burton the brakes were not good
and further, tina they had not been
holding properly for a week. Ac'
cording to Inspector Burton's testi'
mony. the defendant had his a il
second speed because the brakes
were weak and also in order that he
might get off to a quick start at the
foot Of the ferry hill.
The last witness called at yes
terday's session was Peter j.. Mag
var, an automobile mechanical
who Is said to have repaired thu
Macy car three weeks before tn
incident at the ferry. Magyar sale
the brakes We're in fair condition a
hat time but that he had told Nag1
they would have to be refined in
month. While Magyar was a state
witness, Assistant Prosecutor Toolai
did considerable probing in an effor
to wiring from the witness an admis
sion hat the brakes were not work
ing properly.
Newly elected officers for the com
ing six months were installed las
night at the Goodwill Association b!
Past President Harry w. Tookel
The rev officers are: John Therke!
son, president; Carl Cole. vice presi
dent; Nels Mathiasen, RECORDING
secretary; John sullivan, financia
secretary: Charles Damgaard, trea
surer; Joseph Plass. sergeant a
arms: Cara Cole, librarian; Josepl
Lenctay, assistant librarian. TIL
trustees are: Theodore Lund. Ear
.Barner, William Dockwell. TIL
n band which was recently formed will
Y rold regular weekly rehearsals ever,
Thursday right at the club rooms
After speeches were made by sew
eral members of the club, refresh
merts were served. Officers VIII
were installed las. night were etecte'