SUIT AGAINST CROWN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 26, 30 July 1937, Page 3

SUIT AGAINST CROWN

PAHAUTANUI FIRE

DAMAGE TO TREES ALLEGED

Damage estimated at £137 8s \va3 alleged in the Supreme Court today by the owner of .property invaded by a fire lit by a Public Works Department employee on the main north road between Paremata and Pahautanui on. March 4. He said that 730 trees had been destroyed, as well as shelter, shrubs, and firewood. In addition to the £137 8s he claimed £50 general damages; and £25 for disfigurement. The case was heard by Mr. Justice Reed and a jury of four. The suppliant was Philip Brandon, solicitor, of Wellington, for whom Mr. G. R. Powles appeared. Mr. C. H. Taylor appeared for the Crown. Mr. Brandon, the owner of an 11-acre property having a frontage to the main north road between Paremata and Pahautanui, alleged that the fire swept through part of his land on the day following the lighting of the fire and caused extensive damage. His claim included a sum for loss of growth. Mr. Powles said the fire was lighted by a roadman when he was cleaning a drain, and spread to a plantation of trees owned by the suppliant; 530 five-year-old macrocapa trees and 200 four-year-old were destroyed. The Crown admitted the starting of the fire, but denied negligence and damage to Mr. Brandon's land. The case is part-heard. , i!; s ■