WOMAN MOTORIST SUED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 263, 5 November 1932, Page 16

WOMAN MOTORIST SUED.

£250 DAMAGES AWARDED.

CAR THAT "JUMPED."

A verdict in favour of the plaintiff was given in tlie Supreme Court yesterday by the jury which tried a claim for damages by Miss Irene Blomfield, of Takapuna, against Mrs. Margaret Watchlin, of Devonport. The action was the sequel to an accident in Quay Street, near the Ferry Buildings, on October 28, 1931. Plaintiff, who was stated to have lost the hearing of one ear, claimed £400 as general damages and £41 spccial damages, alleging negligence on the part of defendant, whose car knocked her down. The allegations were denied. Mr. T. N. Holmden represented plaintiff, and Mr. G. P. Finlay defendant. A witness named DanierTwohill said a'f*inan- crossed tlie road, -and the car "jumped" towards the man. The man juinped clear, and the next thing witness'saw was a lady spinning Tound. To Mr. -Justice Herdman, witness said tlie car literally jumped, as if ;a foot had; been suddenly placed on the accelerator. Defendant said she did not see plaintiff come from the footpath. She became aware of a woman stepping into the mudguard of her car. She sounded the horn and stopped within two lengths. She was driving quite slowly, and did not suddenly accelerate. Charles Thomas Shaw said he saw a woman step hurriedly from the footpath and walk into the side of the car. Alfred Stevenson, traffic inspector, said the car was going slowly, and he did. hot think the driver could have accelerated. Tlie jury awarded £250 general damages, and special damages as claimed.,