LOSS OF HUSBAND

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 112, 13 May 1937, Page 4

LOSS OF HUSBAND

CLAIM FOR £1275

HUTT BRIDGE ACCIDENT

The fatal injuries suffered by William Robert Erskine, an ironmoulder, of Lower Hutt, when his bicycle was

struck by a taxi on the Hutt Bridge on February 8, have resulted in a claim for damages by the widow, Mrs. Ethel Mary Erskine. In the Supreme Court today she claimed damages amounting to £1275 17s from the proprietor of the taxi and the driver of the taxi. The case was brought before the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) and a jury of twelve.

The defendants were William Thomas | James Morrison, taxi proprietor, of Lower Hutt, and • Eric Raymond, Richardson, taxi-driver, of Lower Hutt.

Mr. A. M. Cousins appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. I. H. Macarthur for the defendants.

It was set out in the statement of claim that Mr. Erskine was riding his bicycle east across the Hutt Bridge and was struck by a taxi being driven in the same direction by Mr. Richardson. Mr. Erskine died from the injuries on March 12.

The allegations of negligence were that Mr. Richardson failed to avoid Mr. Erskine; failed to give warning of his intention to overtake; drove at a speed excessive for the nature of the bridge; overtook and passed while approaching a corner and intersection at the end of the bridge; and overtook the bicycle in breach of a borough regulation. Mrs. Erskine claimed £25 17s special damages, and £1250 general damages.

The defence was a complete denial of negligence.

Evidence is proceeding.