DAMAGES FROM DRIVER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 281, 17 February 1928, Page 16

DAMAGES FROM DRIVER

EXPENSIVE NEGLIGENCE TWO PERSONS INJURED Press Association. WELLINGTON, Thursday. Two claims for damages arising out of /a motor-car accident, which occurred late on the evening of September 15, 1927, were made against Thomas James Taylor, a motor mechanic, before the Chief Justice, Sir Charles Bkerrett, and a jury in the Supreme Court to-day. The plaintiffs were Isabella Mungall Brock Fea and John Devon. In her statement of claim, Miss Fea said she was crossing a street, and when within a few feet of the pavement on the western side of the road, she was knocked down by a motor-car driven by defendant. She alleged negligence on the part of Taylor, and claimed £450 general damages and £3S 19s special damages. Similar allegations were made by Mr. Devon, who was in Miss Fea’s company. He claimed £750 general damages and £lll special damages. The defendant denied negligence, and as far as Miss P*ea was concerned, said she was not within a few feet of the pavement when the accident happened. Further, he alleged that the accident was solely attributable to the negligence of the plaintiff, and alternately alleged contributory negligence. A similar defence was made in answer to the other claim. The jury returned with a verdict for the plaintiffs. Mr. Devon was awarded £SO special damages and £IOO general damages, and Miss Fea was awarded £35 special damages and £IOO general damages. Costs were awarded to plaintiffs.