WOMAN INJURED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 December 1939, Page 10

WOMAN INJURED

A GOLF COURSE INCIDENT. AWARDED DAMAGES BY JUDGE. “Recently a woman golfer, who was struck and injured by a ball hit by another player with a No. 3 wood, allegedly from less than 200 yards back, was awarded £lOO damages by Acting Judge Book in the County Court,” reports a writer in the Melbourne “Sporting Globe." “While naturally sorry for all concerned in this case, I am very glad that an example has been provided which should have the effect of making people more aware of the risk of not taking the utmost care to avoid possible danger on the links. In recent months it has been a wonder that dozens of serious accidents have not happened. It may have a salutary effect on some now to realise that if they ’give it a go' it may cost them £lOO or more. “Actually dozens of persons are struck monthly, many are hurt, and some nastily injured. One prominent member of a leading club has for months suffered occasional severe pains in the head, with consequent handicap to him and his business, as a result of being struck. Only very few of the many accidents become generally known. “The disturbing fact is that too many risks are taken. This is particularly the case on public courses. It is my view, and possibly there is ground for it in law, that not only should individuals who injure others by carelessness be punished, but those who have charge of courses and who do not supervise them with a view to protecting customers should also be punished. “I took an inter-State visitor to see one puplic course three or four days before the last Melbourne Cup. In nine holes, at least half a dozen balls, coming from various angles, whizzed past my head. They may have passed five yards away from me. or five inches, but I certainly got the jitters and I do not feel like taking a similar risk again. Those responsible for this wild hurtling of balls were persons who should not be allowed abroad without keepers, but the authorities who permit them to go their unmolested dangerous way, are just as bad. “It is a miracle that we do not have fatalities over week-ends on some of the crowded public courses. “Some of those who see signs in figures may be pleased to hear that the unhappy man who had to pay for his mishap to the tune of £lOO and costs happened to be on a handicap of 13!”