A RECENT MOTOR COLLISION.

Shannon News, 2 July 1926, Page 2

A RECENT MOTOR COLLISION.

NEITHER PARTY TO' CLAIM SUCCESSFUL. Reserved judgment was delivered at Palmerston North by the Magistrate in a case heard a month ago when Edmond .1. Spencer, of Shannon, contractor, claimed from the Highways Transport Co., Ltd., of Palmerston North, damages amounting to £149 4s arising out- of a collision on the bridge- over the Mangaore creek at Shannon on March 11 between motor cars driven by plaintiff and an employee of defendant company, which counter-claimed for £ll2 15s damages, “There seems to Tie no doubt,” stated His Worship, “that defendantcompany's driver was guilty of negligence in approaching the bridge too fast and not stopping when he should have, and the only question is whether plaintiff was guilty of contributory negligence. It seems to be a general impression that, if a man is on his correct side of the road or has the right of way, he can claim damages if involved in a collision, even .though he has not taken reasonable steps to avoid an accident. . . .- . Plaintiff, by not stopping, iiis car when he saw the other vehicle, contributed to his own damage, and under the circumstances I think neither party should recover. Judgment will be for defendant on the claim and for plaintiff on the counterclaim, both parties to pay their own costs.” •