WIRE ACROSS STREET.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 293, 8 December 1920, Page 4

WIRE ACROSS STREET.

I j DAMAGES FOR ACCIDENT. A rather singular case was dealt ' with 'by Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., at the Magistrate's Court, damages being claimed for an accident duo to a wire toeing across a street at Onehunga. The plaintiff, Joseph Brady (Mr. West) sued T. L. Smith, of Clevedon (Mr. M. Reed) to recover the sum of £74 14/9. ilt was claimed that on or about I August 16, 1020, defendant negligently j placed a wire across the Onehunga road | and failed to give warning to the approaching traffic. In consequence of ! such negligence plaintiff's car ran into j the hawser and was damaged, with the I result that he was deprived of the use |of the same and incurred' cost for repairs. In opening the case, Mr. West said £15 had been paid into court by defendant. Plaintiff stated he was driving his car about 12 to 13 miles an hoiir in Onej hunga. When approaching Barr's Ironi works he saw a traction engine on his | right hand side. The next thing he ! knew his car was entangled in a wire j rope, one end of which was attached to ! the engine, and the other end to a ! cottage. | Mr. Reed argued there was contribuI tary negligence on the part,of plaintiff. He also contended that the damage had ! been exaggerated. Judgment was given for plaintiff for £55 including the £15 paid into court. Costs £10 1/6 were allowed. • I