VERDICT FOR £625.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 735, 12 April 1933, Page 12

VERDICT FOR £625.

Court of Appeal Supports Jury. QUESTIONS OP NEGLIGENCE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 12. The Court of Appeal this morniiy, by its reserved decision, allowed the appeal of Mrs Irene Addis Smith, of Wellington, from a judgment of Mr Justice MacGregor, setting aside a verdict for £625 given by a jury in her favour in an action brought by her against Mrs Caroline IJriscilla Purdie, of Wellington, and herTiusband, Lawrence James Purdie, claiming damages for negligent driving, in causing her to be run over. The judgment of the Court of Appeal has the effect of reinstating the verdict of the jury. Mr Justice Myers, in his judgment, said that, while he agreed with the view that the trial judge took of the jury’s verdict, he could not hold that it was so unreasonable that it should be set aside. Mr Justice Ostler said that he had come to the conclusion that the appeal must be allowed with reluctance and some doubt. Mr Justice Reed and Mr Justice Smith held that the question whether or not the appellant herself was negligent was solely a question for the jury, and the jury having decided that she was not, its decision should not be interfered with. Costs £lO 10s were allowed the appellant. The case was heard on March 27.