KAITARATAHI SPORTS MEETING. A DAMAGED GIG.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2057, 21 May 1909, Page 3

KAITARATAHI SPORTS MEETING.

A DAMAGED GIG.

A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING

The inaugural, meeting .of the Kuitaratahi Sports Club was held yesterday in Mr. 0. Hansen’s paddock, Kaitaratahi, and if) perfect, weather. The ground was in excellent order, and the secretary (Mr. E. Bcllorby) worked hard to make the meeting a .success. There was only one slight, mishap throughout the day, when in fbc jumping competition, hunting style, Air. J. • ..Walshls mount fell al; ,the brush ..fence. Mr. Walsh luckily’ escaped 'with a slight -shaking. • , , .. ~ The following are the results of trie different events: — \ Clav Pigeon Shooting Handicap.— A. McKenzie 1, L. Newman 2. The Best Hunting Style (over three fences). —F. McKenzie's Bluebell U L. Newman’s Bay Belle 2., , jr ulvn- sfaitirfg .iltoSmii— ill flltfl waiV.-ss Ai

. —AT. ! I, Birkett 2. Leaping Contest; Steep’ccha.se over 3 I fences! T. AYalsh's Calm 1, J. Francis’ Freehold 2. Wood Chop, loin Underhand Maiden Handicap. —Birkett 1, D. Neenan 2. AVood Chop, loin Underhand Handicap. —0. Biowes I, M-artm Williams 2. Flag Itacq. —L. Newman 1, S. Newman 2. 120 yards Hurdle Foot Race.—M. Brannon 1, W. Wilson 2. Children’s Greasy Pig.—J. Howie.

DAMAGES KECOVJiItED

The time of the Magistrate's Court was taken up yesterday afternoon in hearing an action for £9 damages brought by Allan Luttrel!, bank clerk, against two natives, Tahatu Tamihana and Karuauia Ruru. for injury to a! gig caused by neglectful and unskilful driving. Mr T. Alston Coleman appoared for plaintiff, and Air AV. Jj. Rets for defendants. Plaintiff stated that on 13th Anril,' he was returning to Gisborne from AVharokopao, driving a pony in. a light gig. At aheut 5.30 p.m. he was proceeding across the AYaipaoa bridge at a jog-trot. Just on the town side of the bridge be met •a gig containing two natives proceeding on the wrong side of the road. He called out to them, but they appeared to be under the influence of liquor and continued to come on. Plaintiff endeavored to avoid a colission, but could not got out of the way as there was not room to pass between the fence and defendants’ gig. A collision occurred, his horse being knocked, down, and the gig considerably damaged, the driver of the natives’, gig used obscene language, and drove off rapidly in the direction of To Arai. Evidence was given by 'Joseph Stephenson, coaehbuihler, who repaired the gig, and J. B. Leydon, coachbuildor, who stated that the natives who called for the gig on the day in question were under the influence of liquor, and it was only on a third native, who was sober, offering to drive that lie allowed the gig to go out of hi.s shop. The defence was to the effect that the plaintiff was on the wrong side of the road when the colli ion occurred, and that neither refendant had had a drink that day.

His Worship: I don’t believe a word of it.

His Worship said that ho was convinced that the collission had been caused solely through tbe defendants being under tho influence of drink at the time. From his experience of this road the reckless riding and driving of natives while under the influence of liquor made travelling absolutely dangerous. He would give judgment for plaintiff for £S, with costs £3 12s.