Race Week Smash – Accident at Conisborough

March 1923

Mexborough and Swinton Times, March 10.

A Race Week Smash.


Accident at Conisborough.


Wath Man’s Successful Action.

On Wednesday, at the Doncaster County Court, before Judge Hargreaves, Arthur Pears, Wath on Dearne, brought an action to recover £32 16s damages occasioned to his motorcar, from William Brown, a taxi cab proprietor, Pitsmoor, Sheffield, in a collision on the Conisborough Hill on September 14 last. There was a counterclaim for £31 4s 6d.

Mr A.S.Furniss, for the plaintiff, explained that his client was proceeding from Doncaster to Wath, and when descending Conisborough Hill met a charabanc. He was travelling about 12 miles an hour. As the got near to the charabanc, the defendant, who was driving a taxi, suddenly drew out from the rear, and although plaintive applied his brakes and did his best to avoid an accident, they collided.

The defendant did not give any warning before pulling out, and he did not see any signal. His car was straight but the defendant’s taxi was at an angle. The smashed up ball scarves. He went to see the defendant, who said he was very sorry and he wanted him to join him in summoning the driver of the charabanc, but he told him he should sue for damages. The defendant said he was not insured. The repair to his car cost £32 16s. Plaintiff was on his proper side.

Cross-examined by Mr Irwin Mitchell, plaintiff admitted he had not seen a speedometer on the car. He denied he was going from 25 to 30 miles an hour. He had a view of the charabanc 300 yards away. The taxi and the charabanc were not alongside. He did not see a signal given by the taxi.

The driver of the car, Samuel Pears, corroborated, and evidence was also given by Mrs Warren, 17 West Street, Conisborough. John William Norman, Wincobank, a passenger in the charabanc and Mrs Ethel Thompson, of Old Road, Conisborough.

Mr Mitchell for the defendant, said that Brown was proceeding towards Doncaster for the races, with passengers, and overtook the charabanc at the foot of the hill. He was unable to pass him, but when he did draw in he sounded his horn, and pulled out. At that time the road was clear. He travelled alongside the charabanc for some distance, and then saw the plaintiff come over the brow of the hill. Defendant applied his brakes unfortunately the engine stopped.

A passenger with him signalled for the plaintiff to stop, but he came on, and the defendant was unable to draw clear.

Defendant bore this out in evidence.

George William Croxton a passenger said he thought the plaintiff lost his head.

His Horner found for the plaintiff on the claim and counterclaim.

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