BARONET’S DAMAGES CLAIM

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 6 August 1931, Page 5

BARONET’S DAMAGES CLAIM

INJURY BY MOTOR VAN

AJ.LEGATIONS OF NEGiTjK IENOE. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 5. The action brought by Sir Kenneth Douglas against the Victoria. Laundry Company to recover damages, arising out of an accident last year was continued in the Supreme Court to-day. The case _wa» again adjourned after evidence bad been given by three witnesses for the defence. The claim is for £-2500 general damages and £347 15s lid special damages for injuries received when plaintiff was knocked down. by T a van driven by William Albert Weldon, an employee ol the Victoria Laundry Company. It is alleged the accident was due to negligence on the part of the’ motor driver. Mr Leicester for defendant submitted it was clear there was contributory negligence on plaintiff’s part, and lie asked for a non-suit. His Honour reserved his ruling on the point. Air Leicester told the jury that everyone would sympathise with the plaintiff in the substantial], injuries lie had received in the accident, but he had to submit Sir Kenneth Douglas was negligent in the way in which he went to cross the road, passing at the back of a. tram and proceeding to' go diagonally across the road without making sure, that it was clear for him to do so. Had the driver not swerved a cyclist would probably have been killed. Before witnesses for the defence wore called the jury visited the scone of the accident. Air Leicester’s statement was borne- out by the driver of a, Newtown car which was stationary at the stop and a passenger in a. Lyail Bay can which was standing at the end of Constable, Street. William Albert Weldon, driver of the van, said the eydlisfc came out of Constable Street past the tram there and he had to swerve to- avoid him ns lie crossed the intersection. That throw him over close to the Newtown tram, from behind which the plaintiff suddenly came with his bond bent, and they collided.