WEST COAST COACH ACCIDENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 82, 23 August 1912, Page 5

WEST COAST COACH ACCIDENT

DAMAGES AWARDED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. ™ „ Chrisfch-urch, Last Night. The Supreme Court continued the hearing of the compensation cases in connection with the West Coast accident at Paddy's Bend on New Year's Day. Mr. Alpers, with him Mr. Sargent, appeared for Archibald Neil, who claimed £6Ol, and for Henry James Hopgood and Alice Hopgood, who claimed £250, and Mr. Raymond, with him Mr. Johnston, for Martha Birley, who claimed £5lO 10s. Mr. Hanan, with him Mr. J. Cassidy, appeared for the defendants, Monyhan and Co. Legal argument having been heard, the jury were addressed by counsel, and Hi'a Honor summed up. The jury, after a little over an hour's adjournment, returned the following answers to the issues submitted—(l) Was the conduct of the driver, Delany, careful and skilful prior to the breaking of the rein?— Answw, Yes. (2) After the breaking of the rain, could the driver. Delany, by the exercise of proper care and skill, have averted the overturning of the coach?— Answer. No. (3) Has the defendant satisfied you that the rein broke at the splice produced?— Answer, Yes. (4) Was the stitching of the splice cut, as alleged by the defendant?— Answer, No. (5) Could such a cut, if it existed, have been observed with proper and reasonable care in the circumstances? —Answer, Yes, (f>) What damages, if any, (A) is plaintiff Neil entitled" to?— Answer, £501; (B) are plaintiffs Mr. and Mrs. Hopgood entitled to?— Answer, £125; (C)' is Mrs. Tiirley entitled to?— ,; Answer, £75. After 'argument, Hi»* Honor postponed the question of costs, ■