The Coroner's inquest on the victims of the Handcross motor-'bus
accident was concluded on Tuesday night. The jury found that the accident was caused by a breakage of the machinery brought about by the efforts of the driver to check the speed of the omnibus when he found it was going too fast, and they considered that he committed an error in judgment in allowing the vehicle to go at too high a rate of speed. They held no one criminally responsible—the Coroner having itistructed them to regard the serious allegations of the ex- driver Jones as not bearing on the case before them—but were strongly of opinion that this type of omnibus was un- suitable for use on country roads. We have not space to discuss the numerous questions suggested by the verdict, but may content ourselves for the moment by endorsing the view of the Westminster Gazette that, in view of the peculiar nature and the immense development of motor traffic, it is highly desirable that such accidents should be brought within the scope of regularly appointed Government officials with expert qualifications, such as those who inquire into railway accidents. Such investigation as can be carried out at a Coroner's inquest is quite inadequate and insufficient.
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