JUDGE AND MARRIAGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 March 1935, Page 4

JUDGE AND MARRIAGE

WOMAN PLAINTIFF’S ADVICE. What was described as a “middleaged hen” caused a motor accident which had a sequel before Mr Justice Charles at Chester Assizes recently. The plaintiff in the case was Mrs Eileen Trinetta Cooke, of Tetherdown, Formby, and the defendant, from whom she .claimed damages for negligence and trespass, was Miss Phyllis Grace Passmore, of Hoole Park, Chester.

Mr J. P. Elsden, for Airs Cooke, explained that she and Aliss Passmore were employed by the same firm as saleswomen, and Aliss Passmore owned a car, in which they used to go out on their business with Airs Cooke driving. In February, 1931, they saw a chicken walking across the road, and Aliss Passmore, contemplating a tragedy at the expense of the chicken, snatched at the driving wheel. Airs Cooke held on to it, and the car overturned. As a result of the •accident, Airs Cooke received a fracture* of the nose and other injuries. Mrs Cooke gave evidence, and was invited by counsel to take off her hat so that the judge could see her nose, and a photograph of her before the accident was handed to the judge. The Judge (looking at her nose): You have got a bit of a lump on it at the end.—At the end my nose looks like the seat of an easy armchair. The Judge: It does not matter to a man. I have had mine broken twice. —lt still looks very nice, my lord. Mr .Rowland Thomas. K.C. (defending); What chance have 1 after that?

The Judge, laughing and turning to plaintiff: If you were not married, I would be suspicious.—It is never too late to mend, my lord. A doctor, in evidence, said that Mrs Cooke’s nose might be improved by a further operation. The Judge: I know. They wanted fl” ti- have. a further operation, but I would nut let them. Aliss Passmore denied that she grabbed the wheel, but stated that sle b-ul touched Airs Cooke’s arm .jus! before the accident.

Thu judge said special damages ’’ ’ been agreed at JJ29I. and ha would award Airs Cuoke JJSSO for her injury. Judgment was given f6r Airs Ueoke. with co?fs. for £Bll.