THE BITE OF A DOG.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13593, 13 May 1908, Page 5

THE BITE OF A DOG.

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGES.

Per Press Association.

WELLINGTON', May 12.

The sum of £SO damages for the bite of a dog was claimed, by Harry White, aged 10 years, from Robert William Paterson , hotelkeeper, this morning. >. The case was), beard by Dr Ma.cArtb.ur, 5.M.., •- .. ~-.-: ;

The boy who appeared rather delicate stated that on the 4th April be was- going round on the milk cart when the milkman called at Mrs Paterson's house. The boy went in with the milk. In the passage he saw a dog (a bull terrier) lying on the mat. The dog knocked him; against the wall, afterwards> seizing him l 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 he was sent away with, a 1 sovereign by Mr Paterson. Hemy White, the "boy's father; declared that he had told Paterson af he ■would only destroy the dog, there would fee no further trouble, but Mr Paterson refused. Mr Cracroft Wilson submitted on behalf of Paterson that the dog was far top valuable to be destroyed, being worth, at least £2OO. ."'..".--■' N

Robert ~ Williami Paterson stated that it was the noise by the can as the boy was returning that made the dog spring at.him. Witness gave the boy a sovereign telling him that it was something to buy lolliesi with. The dog was not ferocious! at all. The witness' little boy five;years old used to play with' it like a kitten. The boy would take a piece of meat out bf the dog's mouth. * Mr Herdman: A discriminating dog. He took a; piece of meat out of the. other bov's mouth.

His Woi^ship. said ;that if a person had a dog like the one in question "he musife accept his responsibilities. Judgment would be for the plaintiff for £2O and costs £4 16s. i' ''....'