COMPENSATION CASE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1527, 24 August 1912, Page 4

COMPENSATION CASE.

THE WEST COAST COACH ACCIDENT. (By TBlcgrapli.—Proas Association.) Christchurch, August 22. ...At tho Supreme Court to-day the heaiv ing of the compensation cases in connection with tho West Coast coach accident at Paddy's Bend, on New Year's Day, was continued. Mr. Alpers (with,him Mr. Sargent) appeared for Archibald Neil, who claimed £'501, and.for- Henry James Hopgood and Alice Hopgood, who tlnihled .£250; and Mr. Raymond (with him Mr. Johnston) for Martha Birloy, who claimed .£5Ol 10s. Mr. Hannan (with him Mr. Cassidy) appeared lor defendants, han and Co. ' ' Legal iirgnment having been heard, the jury were addressed by counsel, and his Honour wnmmcd up. Tho jury, niter a little over an hour's ndjurnment, returned the following answers to tho issues submitted:— , , _ (1) Was tho conduct of the driver Dβlauey careful and skilful prior to the breaking of tho rcinsP-Answor; Yes. (2) After tho breaking of tho rein could the driver Dcltmoy, by the exercise of proper enro and ■ skill, have averted the overturning of the coacliP-Answer: No. (3) Has the defendant satisfied you that tho rein broko at tho splice produced P-i Answer:. Yes. „,,-,. ■ L (I) Was tho stitching of tho splico cut, as alleged by defendantP-Answcr: No. (5) Could such cut, if it existed, have been observed if proper and reasonable care had been taken in tho ciroumstancesP —Answer: Yes. (6) What, damages, if any— ' (a) Is plaintiff Neil entitled to?— An' ewer: JESOI. (b) Are plaintiffs, Mr. and Mrs. Hop< good eutitlcd to?— Answer: dCI2S. (c) Is Mrs. Birley entitled top—Answer* .£75. After argument his Honour postponed tho question of costs. -