COST OF CHINAMAN'S DOWNFALL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXII, Issue 8256, 22 December 1911, Page 2

COST OF CHINAMAN'S DOWNFALL

Cab-Driver Mulcted m Damages.

At" the Ohristchurch Magistrate's Court yesterday Ah Sing (Mr Cassidy) claimed £100 from Thomas Guy (Mr Raymond, with him Mr Vincent), damages for injuries sustained m a cab accident on July 19, when he was knocked down outside the Collosseum by the.defendant's hansom cab. . Dr. Widdowson said plaintiff's left forearm had been fractured and he had sustained pliodit injuries to his other arm and knee. There had been a good union and the arm.was,a " good work T ing" urm. The most serious injury, however, was to the wrists. Speaking through an interpreter" Ah Sing said that on July 19 he wont to the Collosseum and loft when the entertainment was concluded. He went into Gloucester Street m the midst of the crowd leaving the building and as he was walking along "he looked m front and saw nothing, but a horse pushed him behind" and a vehicle went over him. No one sang out to him m warning before he was knocked down. William Sincock, pastrycook, gave •evidence, stating that the defendant's hansom cab left the Colosseum with a fare and proceeded m an easterly direction along Manchester Street. Later he heard the Chinaman scream. The cab had gone, on when he reached the Chinaman's side. The street was not full of people, but was not lit up. Thomas Cusack, who was present at the time of the accident, said that the cab had not been proceeding very fast. He could not swear whether or not the defendant had driven the cab. The Collosseum lamps were not lighted at the time. Herbert Large, who was with Cusack

at the time of the accident, gave similar evidence. Sergeant Hodsou gave evidence regarding statements made to him. He stated that on July 21 Guy had admitted having been m Gloucester Street at the time of the accident, but denied knowledge of any accident. Mr Raymond addressed the Court, contending that tho plaintiff had not proved negligence, and that, at any rate, the plaintiff hud shown a want of care m not looking behind him. The-defendant said that when ho picked up his fare the Collosseum lamps were not lighted: Tie had no recollection of running over or into anybody. His cab was fitted with rubber tyres. „■,*.■, n The Magistrate said that he could not accept the defendant's statement as an answer to the case. > Judgment was given for the plain tilt for £50 and costs.—" Christchurch Star."