COURT NEWS

Grey River Argus, 15 May 1935, Page 2

COURT NEWS

motorist fined. (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, May 13. ‘‘At first sight it might appear to be a rather bad case of gross negligence, as Nicholson was driving on the wrong side of the road and” did not have a license,” stated Air Garland, when appearing for Albert Claud Nicholson, at the Supreme Court. Nicholson came before Air Justice Fair for sentence on a charge of negligent driving of a motor car causing the death of a cyclist, George Samuel Walkers. The fatality occurred on the Pokeno-Paeroa Road last November, and accused had pleaded gu illy. His Honor said that the type of negligence where a driver went, on the wrong side of the road thinking there was no risk, was very common. The police evidence was that Nicholson was a careful driver, and his re putation was exemplary. Tn the circumstances, His Honor thought he was justified in not imposing a sen fence of imprisonment. The sentenci would be a fine of .£20,. to be paid within 12 months, in default three months’ imprisonment.

SCRAP METAL CASE. PALMERSTON NORTH, Alay .13. Keith Elford Craig was found guilty, at the Supreme Court, of the theft at Linton of bronze bearings, valued at £2O. The trial commenced a week ago, but on accused pleading he was unable to get witnesses in time, His Honor discharged the jury and ordered a fresh trial, adding that he would take steps to have the witnesses the accused needed brought to Palmerston North, which was done. Craig was remanded for sentence. Accused was then arraigned on a charge of obtaining scrap metal bv false, pretences at Feilding. but His Honor directed the jury in bring in a verdict of not guilty, before the Crown case was completed. On the evidence His Honor stated, it was plain that the metal was weighed and ready for delivery before accused mentioned the representations. DUNEDIN. Alay 13. Damages of £lOO with costs of £lOO were awarded by consent in the Supreme Court against Charles Matravers Benzoiii in a divorce case in which David Simpson Buchanan proceeded against Eniilv Ada- Buchanan for a dissolution of their marriage on the ground of misconduct with Benzoni. A decree nisi was granted. COMPENSATION CLAIM. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, Alay 14. Hi the Arbitration Court, John Healy, labourer, Lower Hutt, sought from William Carson, hotel proprietor, Taita Hotel, weekly payments of not less t'han £1 14s 4d for a period of incapacity, and further, weekly payments for a period of partial capac--Iby, or payment of such lump sum as plaintiff was entitled to. Plaintiff was injured by 'the branch of a tree when felling trees on the hotel site under alleged joint contract with another man. The defence denies anv contract with Healy, the dealings being with the either man alone. The Court reserved judgment.