TEACHER'S CLAIM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 115, 18 May 1933, Page 3

TEACHER'S CLAIM.

SEQUEL TO COLLISION. SERIOUS INJURY TO LEG. A claim for over £2000, arising out of a motor collision at Point Chevalier in May of 1932, was heard by Mr. Justice Herdman and a jury in the Supreme Court this morning. George Frederick Horsfall, a school teacher, was the plaintiff. He was riding into Auckland along the Great North Road on a motor cycle when the accident happened. Ho claimed damages from G. R. Martyn, carrier, of Mount Eden, who was driving a motor car in the opposite direction and who was turning into Moa Road. Mr. I. J. Goldstine appeared for the plaintiff, and defendant was represented by Mr. V. Iv. Meredith and Mr. G. Wallace.

Plaintiff claimed £2000 general damages and £1()9 special damages, in which were included £">0 hospital expenses and £40 cost of repairs to the motor cycle. It was alleged by plaintiff that defendant was responsible for the accident, on the grounds that he cut the corner when turning to the right; failed to keep a proper look-out, drove at an excessive speed, failed to give a signal or apply his brakes, and that his driving generally was negligent. The plaintiff's right leg was crushed as a result of the collision, and he claimed that he suffered serious permanent injury. Negligence was denied by the defendant, who maintained that the accident was ekie to Horsfall's negligence in failing to keep a proper look-out, riding at an excessive speed and failing to stop or swerve. Mr. Goldstine said that after the accident Horsfall was in hospital for some time. He got a temporary teaching job at £2 a week, and later obtained permanent employment at £3 a week. But the doctors told him that the bones had not mended and that he would have to go into hospital again for from two to three months for further treatment. A bone-grafting operation had to be carried out. Medical evidence called for the plaintiff indicated that Horsfall would suffer a permanent shortening of the leg as a result of tho accident. He would have to go back into hospital for from two to three month* and, after an operation, his leg would then he in plaster. He wouldT then be on crutches for about two months. Evidence is. being heard.