THE LOSS OF AN EYE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 233, 30 September 1907, Page 5

THE LOSS OF AN EYE.

CLAIM FOR £1000. A POINT IN BOXING. MELBOURNE, September 18. Mr. Justice Cussen commenced to-day the trial of an action in which £ 1000 damages was claimed for the loss of an eye. Plaintiff was John Alfred Hill, a miner residing at Costerfield, Heathcote, and the defendant James M'Pherson, also a miner at Costerfield. Hill stated that defendant and a man named Robinson were in an hotel at Costerfield on March 4, and were looking at a newspaper picture of two boxers, Johnson and Lang. "I declared that Johnson's was a picture of pose, and that in such a position he could not hit an opponent. Defendant said, 'I'll show you how it could be done.' I was standing in front of him, not expecting a blow, and defendant swung his left hand on to the side of my face near the right eye. I had previously lost my other eye in a blasting accident. The blow was a heavy one. My vision is gone. Ido not think defendant intended to blind mc, but I think he intended to give mc a blow." Defendant stated: "I haye always been on pood terms with plaintiff, and this injury was purely accidental. Plaintiff offered to show mc a point in boxing, and I agreed. We arranged to play light. Plaintiff told mc ttat I was to try and tap him on the face with my open hand. I did so, but my thumb nail must have touched his eye, and, as I had been cleaning copper-plate, it may nave conveyed poison to the eye." ... The case was adjourned to secure the , attendance of a witness.