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PORTSMOUTH COUNTY COURT.
SATURDAY,—Before C.J. Gale, Esq., Judge.
The Judge sat for a short time to-day. There were six judgement summonses, and 94 new plaints. There was, however, but one case of any interest to the public.
PEARCE V. WEBB.—Mr. King appeared for the plaintiff, who is an omnibus proprietor, living at the “King of Prussia,” in Broad-street, Portsmouth. The action was to recover 5l. 11s., the price of a set of harness, and the hire of an omnibus for 15 days. The defendant, who lives at the “Coach and Horses,” at Hilsea, had paid 3l. 2s. 6d. for the harness, but disputed his liability for the use of the omnibus, as he contended the plaintiff had lent it to him. This was the question in dispute. The plaintiff alleged that the omnibus had been hired, and that 1l. a week, the usual price, had been charged. On the other hand, the defendant alleged that he had painted and repaired the top of an omnibus, and that for this the plaintiff lent him the omnibus.
In support of this statement, the defendant’s brother was called, who stated that when Mr. Pearce called at the “Coach and Horses,” he said at any time the defendant wanted an omnibus, he could lend him on. Some time ago they broke the springs of their omnibus, and witness went down to Mr. Pearce, who said “All right, my boy. It’s a good thing to have a friend to come to.”—Another witness, named George Knight, also said Mr. Pearce met him in the Commercial-road in the last week in September, and asked him if his master wanted some horses. He then added that his master could have an omnibus whenever he wanted one.—The plaintiff defined these statements; but judgement was given for the defendant, the Judge remarking that he could not disbelieve so many witnesses.
— Hampshire Telegraph, Wednesday 29 November, 1871 (source)
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PORTSMOUTH COUNTY COURT.
A sitting of this court was held on Saturday, before C.J. Gale, Esq. Six judgement summons were disposed of, and 94 new plaints.
PEARCE V. WEBB.—The plaintiff, who is an omnibus proprietor, and for whom Mr. King appeared, claimed £5 11s., the price of a set of harness and the hire of an omnibus for fifteen days. The defendant, who lives at the Coach and Horses, at Hilsea, had paid £3 2s. 6d. for the harness, but disputed his liability for the use of the omnibus. He contended that the omnibus had been lent to him in consideration of his having painted and repaired the top of the ‘bus.—Several witnesses were called who corroborated this statement, and his Honour, remarking that he could not disbelieve so many witnesses, gave judgement for the defendant.
— Portsmouth Times and Naval Gazette, Saturday 02 December, 1871 (source)