MOTOR COLLISION SEQUEL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 212, 8 September 1927, Page 10

MOTOR COLLISION SEQUEL.

COMPLICATED LITIGATION.

T AIMS AND ONE COUNTERCLAIM.

Sk>i;:e. -hs.t complicated legal proceed iuga took place in the Supreme Court to-day as a sequel to a motor collision on the Great South Road, between Auckland and Penrose, on March 8. There were three actions, all arising out of the Mine occurrence.

Walter Henry Pankhurst, taxi driver (Mr. Becklerleg), sued Godfrey Ohms, builder and contractor, of Mount Eden, for £302 damages, and there waa a counter-claim by Ohms (Mr. Goldstine), against Pankhurst for an approximately similar atun. The third suit was that of Frank ODonnell and his wife, Lilla ODonnell (Mr. Finlay), against both drivers. Mrs. O'Donnell waa seriously injured, sustaining a fracture of the base of the skulL On her behalf Mr- CDonnell claimed £22, being hospital expenses, and Mrs. ODonnell claimed £78 loss of wages, £900 special damages and costs.

The ground for the claim and counterclaim as between the two drivers was that of negligent driving, which both men denied. Mrs: ODonnell waa a passenger in Ohms' car when the collision occurred.- She alleged negligence against both drivers, which was again denied. Evidence was given by a number of witnesses. The curious coincidence was mentioned that the two cars were the only Cleveland de Luxe' models in Auckland. Dr. John Mark, who examined Mrs. ODonnell when she was admitted to hospital, said she had sustained a < fracture of the base of the skull and an operation was. necessary to relieve the pressure. She had not entirely recovered from, the effects of the accident and'it would probably take six month* for her to regain her normal health.

The case is proceeding.