A DOC'S BITE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13657, 13 May 1908, Page 5

A DOC'S BITE.

£2p DAMAGE^ v r

Per Press Association, . WELLINGTON, May 12.

The sum of £50 damages for "th© bite of a dog was claimed by,Harry^White, a boy of 10 years, from Robert William Paterson,. Eotelkeeper, this morning. The\ case was heard by Dr. McAuthur, B.M. The boy, who' 'appeared "rather delicate, stated that on April _4 h*S was going round on a milk-cart. When the milkgtnan called at Mr Paterson's house the' boy went in with the milk, Tn the i>asßage he saw a dog. a bull terrier, ying on the mat. The ddg* knocked him against the wall, afterwards seizing him by the lip and,, hanging on" until Mr Paterson came to the rescue. Mrs Paterson attended to the boy, and after the doctor had treated him hie was sent away with a sovereign by Mr Paterson/ Henry White; the buy's father, declared that he had told Mr Paterson if he would only destroy the dog there' would be >Ao further trouble. Mr Paterson refused, - Mr Cracroft Wilson submitted, on behalf of Mr Paterson, that the dog was far to valuable to be destroyed; being worth at least £200. Robert William Paterson Btated that it was the noise made by the can as the boy was returning that made the dog~ spring at the boy. Witness gave the boy a sovereign, telling him that it was something to buy lollies with. The dog ' was not ferocious at all. The witness* little boy. fives years old} Tised to play with it like a kitten. The boy would take a piece of meat out of the dog's mouth.

Mr Herdmah: A discriminating dog! He took a piece of meat out of the' other boy's mouth. His Worship said that if a person had a dog like the one in question he must accept his responsibilities. Judgment would be for the plaintiff for £20, and costs £4 16s. -