MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1930, Page 5

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

FEB 20th

; (Before,W.' Meldrum, Esq., S.M.)

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

Percy Olsen (Mr Hannan) v. Henry AT. Buchanan (Mr Murdoch), claim for £95 3s 10d. for damages as the result •jf the collision of two motor cars at the intersection of Sewell and Hampden streets on January' Ist, 1929. The evidence of>Pr Buchanan had been taken at Auckland, and that of Sidney Breeze at Well.ngton. Ronald Olsen gave evidence that on Ist January, 1929, ' lie was driving his father’s car. His' .sister was in the front seat and in. the back seat were Sidney Breeze, Lily Mills and Alex Williams. He was travelling up Sewell street about ,20 miles an hour. First saw the other ear when past the garage. ' Would be ' about two car lengths from the centre of the intersection of the jnyo streets. Dr Buchanan was further' away from the intersection, and was off the right hand side. . Thought lie (witness) would have been well -over; before Buchanan passed. When the latter got nearer he swerved to the left, and his car struck that of witness on the left back wheel, the ear being turned over, His back wheels were just over the intersection when struck. He did not dream of an accident'till: he was struck, thinking he was well past,

To Mr Murdoch— He did not remember giving,evidence bn January 17th, 1929, of having- said it was a pure accident. If witness h|d swerved to the right when he first s|w Dr Buchanan’s car, it might ..haye. v -avoided the accident

To Mr accident was caused by'Bi I 'Buchan an swerving to the left.

Thomas"Baty, motor proprietor, gave evidence that Olsen’s car was brought to the garage for repairs. The cost of repairs was £75 3s lOd. The claim for £2O general damagesiwas a fair one. Counsel addressed the Court, and his Worship intimated he would view the place of the accident, and reserved his decision.