STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 July 1921, Page 7

STRATFORD.

ST2AITOBD AGENCY. Advertisements and items of news for publication in the Taranaki Daily News should be left at the office of our local representatives, Wilson Bros., Broadway, Stratford. Order! for papers may also be left with them. MAGISTRATE’S COURT. « July 22. The fortnightly sitting of the Magistrate’s Court was held here to-day before Mr. C. R. Orr Walker, S.M. COLLISION CASE CONCLUDED.

After occupying the court for four sittings, the motor collision case, Hill Bros, versus S. B. Hunter, in which the plaintiffs Hill claimed daujages to the person and to the motor cycle, and Hunter counter-claimed for damages to his car, was concluded. The collision occurred at the intersection of Broadway and Opunake Road, in Stratford, on April 19. Mr. Fookes, on behalf of the defendant Hunter, submitted several authorities on the test of negligence in driving vehicles. He said that Hunter must be considered to have taken every reasonable precaution prior to the accident. He took the course laid down by the borough for turning the corner, even though it was on the incorrect side. All witnesses had agreed that all prudent drivers took the course adopted by Hunter. Hunter’s speed was about 12 miles an hour. He saw the cycle coming down Broadway about two and a half chains away, and as he was about to turn into Opunake Road he blew his horn and put his hand out to the right side to indicate his course. Hill appeared to have his head turned to speak to his pillion passenger and evidently did not see the signs made by Hunter. When Hunter started to turn into the road he considered he had ample time to get clear betore Hill came up, and that was really the crux of the whole position. Hunter had made the turn and cleared the asphalt, when, to his horror, he saw Hill coining straight for the car from the direction of the store at the corner. There was then no chance of avoiding a collision. This brought the matter ‘ down to a question as to who had the last opportunity of avoiding a collision. Mr. Coleman, for Hill Bros., said that Mr. Fookes had ingeniously endeavored to cast suspicion on the evidence for the claimants Hill. He submitted that the plan of the locality drawn up by the Stratford County engineer was fortunately obtained shortly after the accident. The engineer was not biassed in this case and his evidence should carry weight. The measurements taken and admitted by the witnesses for Hunter, and the position of the blood spot on the road, showed that the collision actually happened 20 feet up Broadway from the traffic corner. Mr. Coleman mentioned that he had six witnesses to prove that Hill’s speed was very moderate, while the only testimonv to prove otherwise was Hunter’s own. When turning the corner at the scene of fhe accident Kill had absolutely no indication that Hunter was going to turn into Opunake Road until the car was only 30 feet away, and it was then too late to avoid a collision. As Hunter was guilty of statutory negligence on two counts the onus was upon him to show why he could not avoid the accident. Decision was reserved.

HEAVY TRAFFIC BY-LAWS. Joseph Butler and Walter Butler were charged with driving and permitting to be driven on the Toko Road, a load of firewood exceeding the weight allowed in the by-laws, and without a license. Joseph Butler, the owner of the load and vehicle, was fined £2 and costs ss, and Walter Butler was, convicted and fined £1 with costs ss.

TRUANCY CASE. R. Baker, for failing to send his 15-year-old son to the night classes at the Technical School, was fined 5s and coats 7s. Baker said that he was under the impression that the boy had attended the classes, and the Magistrate remar .x--«d that the onus was upon the parent to carry the child to school if necessary.

UNDEFENDED CASES. Judgment by default was given in the following cases: Smart Bros. (Mr. Tvrer) v. Jacob Mischewski, £9 10s, costs £2 9s; A. J. Davey (Mr. King) v \lbert Ward, £4, costs £1 3s bd; L. R. Cortis and Co. (Mr) Moss) V. W. B Lacey, £U l« s 2d > costs £2 , , ; Farmers’ Co-op (Mr. Moss) V. John Rowan, £lB Bs, costs £2 16s .Newton King, Ltd. (Mr. King) W. H. Davidson. £■>B 3s 9d, costs £3 6s. Orders were made in the following judgment summons cases: J. W. White v. G McGregor, £l3 4s; C. P. Theobald v. Thomas Wilson, £a7 12s 9d; Mary B. Wilson V. Thomas Wilson, £l5 os.

A good farmer’s or householders bundle of stationery > supplied tor os post free by Wilson Bros., stationers, Stratford. This ie the list: Two writing pads, three packets envelopes, packet° blotting slips, lead pencil, pen and scribbling < - order pad. Send os along and get jandle from Wilson Bros, stationer Stratford.