DAMAGES CLAIM

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1935, Page 5

DAMAGES CLAIM

.PATRON’S MISHAP AT THEATRE (Per Press Association, Copyright): CHRISTCHURCH, July 8. A claim for £1460 17s 6ti by Sydney James Green, against Christchurch Cinemas Ltd., was heard by Mr Justice Nortsercift. at the Supreme Court ‘today. The case was the outcome of an accident in St. James’ Theatre in April of last year. The plaintiff was a patron attending an entertainment-at the Theatre, anil he Fell down a flight of steps leading .to the lavatory, fracturing his thigh. The plaintiff, it was. alleged that the steps were not lighted, and were dangerously, steep, so. that a person entering the doorway., was very liable to fall. -

For the defence, it was alleged that Christchurch' Cinemas had -,taken all possible .precautions ,by providing' generous lighting, both at the entrance and within the lavatory. After tiie accident, it was, found when aiL electrician made an inspection, that ...a length'of wiring, had Ijeen'pulled down and the lights destroyed. , . It was apparent, it was alleged,.that the damage had been, done wantonly by larrikinc or thieves. It was submitted that the defendant had done everything possible, short of putting a man o n guard. .

The defendant’s case was still, uncompleted wlien the Court rose.