LARGE SUM AWARDED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 3

LARGE SUM AWARDED.

PALMERSTON NORTH PLAINTIFF. HAMILTON, May 11. Damages- totalling £4077 were claimed by Grace Irene. Painter, hotel chef, of Palmerston North (Mr A. M. Ongley), from Roy Whittle, gum worker, of--Auckland (Mr J. F. Strang), in a ease heard before-Mr Justice Johnston in the Supreme Court at Hamilton. The claim arose as a result of an accident in which defendant’s car struck a motor-cycle on which plaintiff was a pillion-rider, on the main highway between Taupiri and Hiintly on March 21, 1937. The defence admitted liability for the 'accident, but disputed the quantum of-damages. Mr Onglev said that the claim consisted of £3OOO general damages and £1077 special damages. Before the: accident, plaintiff was a girl of considerable athletic ability. She took part in athletic meetings, was a Manawatu ladies” hockey representative, played tennis, and was fond of dancing. As a result of the accident, plaintiff’s right leg would be permanently shorter than the left and her knee would always be stiff. She would never he able to go back to her occupation as hotel chef or take up domestic or hotel work. \ For the defence Mr Strang said that plaintiff would not suffer any economic loss as a result of the accident, as in all probability she would he married, and in any ease there were many occupations open to her. After a retirement of one and quarter. hours the jury awarded plaintiff £2200 general and. £1077 special’ damages, making a total of £3277.. Judgment was entered accordingly.