SEQUEL TO HARBOUR ACCIDENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 105, 4 May 1920, Page 5

SEQUEL TO HARBOUR ACCIDENT.

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. A ease arising out of an accident which occurred on the 29th of January, near Stanley Bay. came before Mt. J. \V. Porn ton, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court to-day. Gilbert Parker (Mr. Biernacki) sued "the Nj2. Flying School (Mr. J. \V. r". Dickson) to recover the sum of £61 1-1/ as damages alleged to have been caused by a hydroplane coining into contact with and breaking the mast of plaintiff's yacht. It was admitted that a letter had been forwarded to plaintiff, expressing regret for the occurrence, and asking that the yacht be repaired ot the expense of the Flying School. Plaintiff claimed £2 for Mrs. Parker's drese, £20 for a new sail, £ 10 for a new mast, £2 for painting, £2 2/ medical expenses, and 10/ for a boat-hook, also general damages totalling £25 14,'. Evidence was given In support of the claim. The defence was that it was en nnavertable accident, that the pilot did all he could to avert an accident, but that meeting with a "pocket" over -which he had no control the incident happened. The evidence showed that the hydroplane had cleared the wharf at Stanley Bay, and the telephone wires, and was gradually rising when the "pocket" was encountered. Thia caused the machine in dropping to touch the mast of the yacht. The hydroplane was also damaged. A number of witnesses "were examined regarding the damages and cost of repairs. The case is proceeding.