LANDLADY’S CLAIM

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1930, Page 6

LANDLADY’S CLAIM

FOR DAMAGES TO HOUSE.

'By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND, May 1

f “It is really incredible that human beings could live in a place and u-educe it to the state it is in at the present time,” said Mr Adams, in the Magistrate’s Court this morning, in advancing the claim- for approximately £350 brought by Josephine Wilson Smith, widow, of Auckland, against the Hon. O. F. Nelson, the wellknown Sampan merchant in respect to damages .alleged to have been caused to a residence in Remuera during the latter’s occupancy of it. During the hearing of the case Mr McKean, S.M.; said that he had inspected the plaintiff’s property, and it was in a shocking state.

Plaintiff, in her statement of claim said that Mr Nelson occupied her house in Remuera, from Decembei 1928, to March. 14, 1930, as a monthly tenant. In addition to having the u.se of the house he had .. the use of all the chattels, furniture,, and personal' effects. It was alleged that during his occupancy he wilfully oi negligently damaged the house and its appearances, and in this connection a sum of £275 was claimed to cover necessary repairs, replacements, etc. In addition, £SO as general dam ages were sought and also £25 to cover loss occasioned plaintiff through defendant failing to give sufficient notice of his intention to unit the premises and the loss of rent during the time the home and furniture were under repair. Mr Adams said it had been diff cult to arrive at any exact assessment o>f the damage and of the amount necessary to restore the fittings to their original condition, but after much deliberation the sum of £2. • had been arrived at less £l2. Evidence would ’ hi? called to prove that when the defendant took possession of the property, it was a home belomnng to a person with taste and n p refinement. Commenting on the state th n house had b°en left in Cmin cr>l said that fortunately, the plaintiff ’ad the Court, to come to for ’’odreiss.’ It was reallv incredible that human beings could live in a place and reduce it to its -present c tate. The en se for -the plaintiff, had not eoneluded when the Court ‘adjourned.