A COSTER'S SPILL.

Western Star, Issue 2220, 8 July 1898, Page 6

A COSTER'S SPILL.

At the Brompton County Court, Judge Stonor has had an amusing case before him. Edwin Adams, a Hammersmith eostt-r. brought an action agninst the London Oeineral Omnibus Company for damage*) in rispect of injuries done to himself, his pony, and cart. Plaintiff: said hs was going home with a ton of " tatfis" and some "sprouts " from the market. He was seated on the "spouts" with his back to the wind. His mata, a boy, was at the helm. Suddenly there was a trash, and hefore plaintiff had time to see what was up the " General ' caught him amidships, and with such force that " bisself, '.aters, sprouts, mate, and pony" were suit Hying over the road, in different directions. Plaintiff said he was laid up for three days, was bruised all over, and hail the "tip" of his elbow cut off. (Laughter.) lie paid £l2 12s. for the pony, but a few days after tie accident hu was glad to part with herat the Caledonian Market for "thirtytwo and a tanner." (Laughter.) On the mornii'g of the " spill " he would not have taken "■ fifteen quid " tor her. (Laughter.) He had a "tiny show " iu Blythe-road, his mother: and sister were his saleswomen, and when Spanish onions and oranges were in reason he could easily earn ' six quid' a. wrok. —"What i.i your business?" asked Mr. Powell, who defended.—Why, wholesale, on course. —What, in a tiny house ? Yus. I delivers boxes of oranges and onions to shops. (Laughter.)—Th»n there was a reference to an item in the bill for damages, " serious damages to the plaintiff's trousers."—" Would your Honour like to see the breeches ?" asked Mr. S. Lynch, who appeared for the plaintiff. —" Oh ! no, no !" replied the Judge. (Laugh* ter.) —The defence was that the plaintiff's companion, who was driving when the collision took place, grew neivous and .allowed the pony to swerve.—ln the end the jury gave a verdict for £36.—The Judge: You allow £ls for damages to the pony. Plaintiff swore he only gave 12 guineas for it.—The Foreman: That is the verdict, your Honour.—His Honour said, " Very well," and entered judgment accordingly, with, costs.—Plaintiff only claimed £2O at the outset.