UNUSUAL PLEA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 116, 19 May 1939, Page 8

UNUSUAL PLEA.

CAUSE OF MISHAP.

SNEEZED TEETH OUT.

CLAIM AGAINST DRIVER.

(By Telegraph.—Press .Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, this, day

According to counsel in a Supreme Court action to-day, the driver of a rental car which struck a telegraph post in Ferry Road on September 1 offered the explanation that he had sneezed his false teeth out.

The case was heard before Mr. Justice >>orti:rute and a jury of four. The owners of the car, Larges Limited, sued tlu- driver. R. A. Xock, a Government inspector, for £138 5/9, the cost of the rnmirs to the car; £10 for depreciation, £•21 for loss of revenue from the car, and £5 franchise.

Counsel said defendant hired the car and signed an agreement to pay all exjienses that might be incurred through his negligent driving, and compensate Larges for any depreciation. Driving U)vards the city from Sumner about 12.30 a.m. on September 1, the oar struck a telegraph pole. Nock said he was travelling about 35 miles an hour. After being helped out of the car by two bystanders Nock said that he would ring up the police, but did not return. When Nock saw Mr. Large at 9 a.m. next day he said that he had sneezed his false teeth out. Nock had not notified the police.

(Proceeding.)