JENKS, J.:
This action for personal injuries through negligence was brought in the county of Queens. The defendant duly demanded that the place of trial be changed to the county of New York. As it appeared that the plaintiff had never been a resident of the county of Queens, but was a resident of the county of Kings when he began his action, and that the defendant was a resident of New York county, the defendant was entitled to the change of venue as a matter of right. (Code Civ. Proc. § 984; Nichols N.Y. Pr. p. 1930, and authorities cited.) This absolute right could not be defeated by a showing as to the convenience of witnesses. ( Veeder v. Baker, 83 N.Y. 156; Mills Gibb v. Starin, 119 App. Div. 336.) After the change has been made, the plaintiff may then avail himself of either of the 2d and 3d subdivisions of section 987 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (Authorities supra.)
The order must be reversed, with ten dollars costs and disbursements, and the motion must be granted, with costs.
BURR, THOMAS, RICH and MILLER, JJ., concurred.
Order reversed, with ten dollars costs and disbursements, and motion granted, with costs.