STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) [All communis Lions, letters, etc., left with Mr H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt intention.] MOTOR-CYCLE AND COW COLLISION. Stratford, August 17. The attention of Mr. A. Crooke, S.M.. was engaged all the afternoon yesterday in hearing a claim for £173 by S. Cook (Wangamii) against F. Tewfsky, farmer, Ngaere. Mr. Brodie, Wanganni appeared for plaintiff, whilst defendant was represented by Mr. A. Coleman, Mr. Brodie, in outlining the case, stated that the claim was one arising out of a collision by a cow with a motor- • cycle and ear on January .8. Plaintiff was in charge of a motor-cycle on which were plaintiff, liis wife, father, and four children. About 10.14 a.m., when Hearing defendant's place, some cattle came out on to the road. Plaintiff stopped iiis machine, but later 011 a second mob came blindly out, taking charge 01 the road. One collided with the cycie, overturning it. The children were unhurt, but Mrs. Cook nad to go to the hospital for treatment for internal injuries, and plaintiff, who was pinned under the machine, had one wrist broken. Mr. Cook, sen., escaped uninjured. Plaintiff based hi 3 claim on tno syouim of neglect on the part of Tewfsky in driving the cattle out tit a rush without taking the precaution to see that the road was clear, and not having anyone there to steady the cattle as they came out. He (counsel) desired to have the claim amended to "charge or collided with the motor-cycle," instead of merely "charged."

Solomon Cook, tailor, Wanganni, plaintill', said he had been driving a cycle for some years. The machine wait - 7 h.p. Red Indian, and when he reached the crest of the rise he was going about 10 miles an hour, and there were 110 cattle in sight. When about 50 yards oil' the gate, lie saw two or three head of cattle run out of the gate. Pulled up in about five yards. Another mob, perhaps eight or nine, came rushing out, and scattered around the cycle. One came behind and struck the machiuc, causing it to swing round and capsize, Saw no one driving tiie cattle. The cow struck the side wheel of the ear. He was pinned down under the machine, but no attempt was made to gore him. Witness then enumerated the injuries he had received. In reply to Mr. Coleman, witness stated he always stopped the engine in the case of danger, and had thus a better control. 11. F. Cook, wife of plaintiff, and Abraham Cook, father of plaintiff, gave (evidence on similar lines. W. Brownlee, motor mechanic, detailed the repairs necessary to the maA. A. Cuth'bertson, drover, 25 years' experience, gave details about driving cattle. 111 a case similar to Tcwfsky's cattle, driven without anyone to see now the cor.st, was, would probably find the cattle blunder anywhere, and thus cause an accident.

| Frank Tewfsky, farmer, Ngaere, defendant. stated that on the day in question he was taking some stock to the [Farmers' Co-op. sale at Stratford. He asked his wife to open the gate leading on to the road. She looked down, ana saw it was clear. Witness Wen drove the cuttle out, but did not chase them. Saw Cook approaching when within a chain of the gate, and four rows had still to go through. Cook was still moving, and struck a little black cow on the thigh. Considered the collision caused the machine to skid, but at first did not think it would capsize. Cook did not seem to have control, and it swerved right round and then eansized. The cattle were very quiet, and he was not, using a whip or dog. In reply to Mr. Brodie, defendant said Cook was between 00 and 70 yards away when the cattle first came out. The cows were all making towards Stratford. Cook did not make any attempt to pull up.

Sarah Tewf sky's evidence was oil similar lines, and William J. Lopdell, county engineer, described the locality, stating the grade would not prevent a motor-cyclist pulling up. A. Stewart, stock agent, said the cattle were very quiet. Did not consider it necessary for more than one man to be in charge of stock. Harold C. Taylor, Ivgaere. farmer, gave evidence relating to driving cattle. Dr. Steven, who attended to the injuries of plaintiff, was unable to be present, and his evidence will be heard later. This completed the evidence, and, to save a further journey, counsel on both sides ngreeel to submit written arguments to the S.M. on the points involved.

GENERAL. There was a good attendance of sottiers at; the farewell tendered Private Arnold Kaspar, th first of the Second Division, in Mr. .T. Victors' building. Mr. Davis, in the course ol a sulogistic speech, referred to the many good qualities of 1 heir guest, and then requested Mr. Keightley to present Private Kaspar vvit'h a wristlet watch. In doing so, Mr. Keightley added a tribute. The recipient suitably acknowledged the gift and presentation. Very acceptable vocal items were contributed by Messrs B. .T. Peters. E. TI. Linnell. J, TCeilson, and E. Anderson anil Miss Roger?. The music was contributed by Miss Hnse, and extras by Miss Cioocli. Mrs. Kaspar. and Mr. Kelling (the latter on the accordcon). Messrs H. Taylor and (>. Crowe -»c»s (he M.'sC. \ At Xgaere Hall last night, the attendance was very satisfactory, when n farowell was tendered (Privates W. Walsh, 1!. Wvlic, ami A. Hammond. The chairman of the Patriotic Committee (Mr. W. Morrison), in the course of an interesting address, presented each soldier with a wristlet watch, and wished them all the "ood luck going whilst at the front. During the evening, Mr. -Tames contributed a song and Miss W. Kivci: gave an exhibition of club-swinging. Music for the dance was supplied by 'hosier Bros., and the duties of M.C. were entrusted to Mr. P. Burkett, Tuna's farewell to Private J. Isgar was well attended by settlers in that part of the locality, the school being well filled. The chairman of the Patriotic Committee (Mr. W. TTathawav) presented IPrivate Tsgar with a gold Mattes;' cross medal, accompanying the gift with libit appreciation of the departing soldier's attributes as a man and worker. Two very enjoyable vocal items were contributed by Miss Kovalcski. The floor, music, and supper were alike all that could be desired, those fortunate enough to be present spending a very enjoyable evening. Stratford Card Club defeated Te Popo 'in a tournament deeided at Te Popo, by