MAGISTRATE’S COURT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21646, 17 May 1932, Page 3

MAGISTRATE’S COURT

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. A special sitting of the Magistrate’s Court, before Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M.i was held yesterday to hear a claim for rent and damages by Alice May Martin (wife of Alexander Martin, of Dunedin. commercial traveller) against Vincent George Holloway, William David M'Kenzie, Benjamin Hal Brodie. and Harold Lindon M'lvor. Plaintiff claimed £79 13s lid, being rent of a cottage at Macandrew Bay at the rate of 12s 6d a week for six months from March 12, 1931, a total of £l6 ss. and for damages, amounting to £63 8s lid. to furniture and for articles in the house destroyed or missing. Among the items making up the damages were:—Six electric globes missing, eight mattresses damaged, six electric shades missing, one table broken, carpet missing, windows broken, traycloth damaged, 10 pillows damaged, two guilts and one rug damaged, six cushions damaged, six chairs missing or broken, six pairs curtains missing, plates, saucers, and vases missing, and knives, forks, and spoons missing. Counsel for the plaintiff said that the house was rented to the defendants in March of last year, and the tenants made such improper use of the furniture that, though it cost £l5O and ws)s insured for £IOO. there was not more than £2 and £3 worth left when the tenants vacated the place. He understood the suggestion was that M'lvor. who was no longer in the Dominion, was the tenant, but it was claimed that the four defendants were responsible. Evidence was given in support of the plaintiff’s case. Counsel for defendant M'Kenzie said his client was only once at the crib and had nothing to do with the letting of it. Ho went there with Brodie on a Saturday afternoon and mot Brodie. who was residing there. In view of a probable settlement, further hearing was adjourned until May 26.