WOMAN DRIVER SUED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 262, 4 November 1932, Page 5

WOMAN DRIVER SUED.

NEGLIGENCE ALLEGED. INJURIES TO PEDESTRIAN. A claim for damages totalling £444, the sequel to a motor accident near the Ferry Buildings on October 28, 1931, was heard before Mr. Justice Herdman and a jury at the Supreme Court to-day. Plaintiff was Miss Irene Blomfleld, of Takapuna (Mr. T. N. Holmden), and defendant was Mrs. Margaret Watehlin, of 6, Arawa Road, Devonport (Mr. G. P. 'Finlay). Plaintiff alleged that defendant was driving at excessive speed, and failed to keep a proper look-out, to give any warning of approach, and to pull up or swerve in order to avoid the accident. General damages of £400 were claimed, and the balance was made up of hospital and medical fees. There was one item of 13/6, claimed as the value of a pair of silk stockings, which plaintiff alleged were damaged t>y the accident.

Tlie defence was a general denial of the allegations of negligence. Mr. Holmden said Miss BlomfielA lost the hearing of her left ear as a result of the accident, -which happened at 4.30 in the afternoon. Miss Blomfield was in conversation with a friend under the verandah of the Auckland Meat Company's building, when she saw a car standing on the opposite eide of the road which looked like her brother's. She crossed the road, and, in doing-so, was struck by a motor car. She had no recollection of what hapepned (waking up in hospital), but, fortunately, I there were two eye-witnesses of the occurrence, who would give evidence in support of the allegations of negligence.

"The Ferry Building," said Mr. Holmden, "is a natural focal point for pedestrian traffic, and the position has been admirably met by special regulations of the traffic. department of the City Council." , Evidence in support of the claim was given by plaintiff. Replying to Mr. Finlay, she said she might have hurried across the road. She did not remember whether 6he looked to the right as she left the pavement.' "I think it is a common thing to run across the road in front of motor cars," said counsel. "It depends on one's age and- ability in the majority of cases," remarked his Honor. Arthur Edgar Knight said he was crossing Quay Street when a motor car approached from his right. He thought he- would be knocked down and so he jumped. When he reached the footpath he turned round and saw plaintiff falling. He did not see her struck. ' The hearing is proceeding.