£4000 CLAIM

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1930, Page 2

£4OOO CLAIM

AGAINST MOTOR CYCLIST,

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 11

For the death of her husband, Francis Edmund Blake, a mechanic, within a few minutes of a collision in Petone last July, between the bicycle he -was riding and a motor cycle, ridden by Lawson August, insurance canvasser, Rose May Blake claimed from August in the Supreme Court to-day, before Mr Justice Reed and a jury, £2O special damages for funeral expenses and £4COD general damages. In the statement of claim, Mrs Blake said that there were three living children of the marriage, their ages being 18, 13 and 12 years. On the 14th of July last, about 5.45 p.in., her husband was . riding a bicycle along Jackson Street, and at the same time defendant was driving a motor cycle, overtaking deceased. It was alleged that August negligently drove his motor cycle, and collided with Blake from behind, knocking him off his bicycle, and causing fatal injuries. The defendant, in his defence, denied negligence, and also denied that the plaintiff had incurred £2O funeral <ex.ponsj.vs. He alleged contributory negligence on the part of Blake in that the deceased was riding a bicycle without a light, and also had a defective rear reflector, or none. It was claimed that Blake was conversing with a companion, who was also riding .a bicycle, and failed to keep a proper look out. 'Evidence was given that Blake’s reflector was effective at 06 yards, and that August’s sueed was estimated at no less than 40 miles an hour. The case was adjourned till to-morrow.