DAMAGES AGAINST MOTORIST

Evening Star, Issue 19793, 17 February 1928, Page 9

DAMAGES AGAINST MOTORIST

TWO PLAINTIFFS SUCCEED [Pee United Pbess Association.] WELLINGTON, February 16. Two claims for damages arising out of a motor car accident, which occurred on the evening, of September 15, 1927, were made against 1 nomas James Taylor, motor mechanic, before the Chief Justice .(Sir Charles Skerrett,) and a jury in the Supreme Court to-day. The pjamtiffs were Isabella MungaJJ Brock Fea and John Devon. in Tier statement of claim Miss Fea said she was crossing a street, and when within a few' leet of the pavement on the western side oi the road she was knocked down by a motor car driven by tho defendant. She alleged negligence on the part of Taylor, and clanged £450 general damages and £3B 19s special damages. Similar allegations were made by Devon, w’ho was in Miss Fea’s company. Devon claimed £750 general damages and £lll special damages. The defendant denied negligence, and so far as Miss Fea was concerned he said she was not within a few feet of the pavement w'hen the accident happened. Further, he alleged that the accident w'as solely attributable to the negligence of the plaintiff, and, alternatively lie claimed contributory negligence. A similar defence was made in answer to Devon’s claim.

, The jnry returned with a verdict for plaintiffs. Devon was awarded £SO special damages and £IOO general damages. Miss Fea was awarded £35 special, damages and £IOO general damages. Costs were also awarded the plaintiffs.