Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 21 December 1883
Alleged Breach of the Locomotives Act
Samuel Whitfield, engine driver, of Conisboro’, was summoned for a breach of the Locomotives Act.
The offence complained of was that a certain coachman was driving several ladies in the neighbourhood of Conisboro’, and that when he saw the traction engine approaching he waved his hand as a token to the driver to stop, as his horse was a frisky one. But, instead of doing this, the driver proceeded forward, passing the vehicle in which the ladies were. The horse pranced, and the ladies were much frightened.
The defence was that the waving of the hand as exhibited by the coachman was looked upon as a wish for the engine to proceed; had it been thought otherwise the driver of the engine would have stopped for the carriage to pass.
Lord Auckland said the Bench “did not think it would be safe to fine the defendant,” and the case was consequently dismissed.