PENNY BUS TICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20006, 25 January 1927, Page 13

PENNY BUS TICKET.

CAUSE OF SLANDER ACTION. CONDUCTOR VERSUS COMPASY. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Hewart, took a very kindly part in a human little drama in the King's Bench Division reonn) ;bus conductor, George Henry, Margetson, brought an action against the London General Omnibus Company, claiming damages for alleged wrongful dismissal and alleged slander. It was said that while collecting fares he took a penny from a passenger and did not punch a ticket. Although he persisted in denying this he was dismissed from the service, 4 'for having taken this penny, obstructing an inspector in the course of his duty, and aggravating the case by calling a policeman, thereby delaying the omnibus.” , Replying to the Lord Chief Justice. Mr Charles Doughty, for the Omnibus Company, said it had never been part of the company’s charge against Margetson that he took this penny dishonestly. Lord Hewart: That being so, is there not an easy way of dealing with this matter? Later. Sir Patrick Hastings announced that the parties had come to terms. The comnany had agreed to reinstate Margetson in their service, and to pay him arrears of wages. . , ‘‘A desire to continue the good relations.” added Sir Patrick, “that have always existed between the bus oomfiiany arid their employees, has actuntci them in that agreement.” Lord Hewart: That, is a termination worthy of this company.