BARBER AND GRECIAN NOSE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7154, 19 July 1901, Page 2

BARBER AND GRECIAN NOSE.

PECULIAR ACTION FOR

DIRGES.

A French-polisher named Stevens, described as the possessor of a fine Grecian nose, marred by. a scar, across it just above the tip, sued, a& Southwark County Court, a hairdresser .named Howard to recover £5 damages for injury to his nose, " caused by the negligenoe of the defendant whilst shaving him for hire and reward."

Mr A. H. Westcott, solicitor, appeared for the plaintiff, who said ibe w&nt to *he diefendant's sh-op on March 2 to be shaved. Whilst the defendant was carrying ou* thds operation the" lather boy called tne defendant. He turned sharply iround and <ihe razor came across his nose, cutting it severely. The defendant) iboun4 it up, expressed 1 his gresit sorrow, apd remarked that he would not have !had it "happen for £10. The skill of a medical man 'had' to be sought, and he ordered .the plaintiff to remain indoors all the nest day. (Sunday) for fear of : the seriou9 Conse*qu3pees that would! result if the weather got into it.

Judge Addison : Thei law is perfectly clear. If a man whilst shaving another for reward negligently outs his nose ho is liable for the damage. But it is for -the plaintiff to make out bis case. Mr Westcctt : I that, as the defendant suggests-contributory negligence, he must prove it. My client gave hum Ins chin only .to operate upon, and tkerefoire he * was dearly a trespasser wh«n Ee"got ion to my clients- nose. (Laughter.) Judge Addison : I must take it- that the barbar was armed with a razor near the man's face for a lawful purpose. The question is whether he suadeply turned; round and drew the razor across his rnxse or whether the plaintiff suddenly turned: and ran his nose up against the razor. (Laughter.) I must- hear some further evidence, so I will adjourn the case for the attendance of some witnesses.

Later on Judge Addison, K.C., exonerated the barber, and* judgment was entered for him, -without coats.