Widow Awarded £12,500 Damages

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30998, 2 March 1966, Page 3

Widow Awarded £12,500 Damages

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, March 1

A Wellington jury today awarded Norma Valintine Lash, a widow, £12,500 general damages and £BB 18s fid special damages for the death of her husband, Ronald Walter Lash, as the result of injuries received in the course of his employment as a shunter with the Railways Department.

Mrs Lash sued the joint defendants, Frank Marshall. Ltd., Wellington, carrier, and the Attorney-General (sued in respect of the New Zealand Railways Department). Mr Lash died on July 13, 1965. In the course of his duties that afternoon the deceased w r as standing on the platform of a diesel locomotive travelling between Waterloo quay and Queen’s wharf. At the same time, a truck driven by an employee of Marshall. Ltd.. w r as proceeding along Waterloo quay. The statement of claim alleged that the engine and truck collided and. as a result. Mr Lash was crushed, receiving injuries from which he died. Liability Admitted Mrs Lash claimed £14,000 for the loss of her husband. At the opening of the hearing the jury was told by counsel that liability was admitted by the two defendants and the only issue to be tried was that of the quantum of damages.

Evidence was called as to Lash’s past earnings and to estimate his future wages in the ordinary course of promotion.

The Chief Justice (Mr H. R. C. Wild) entered judge-

ment for the plaintiff in accordance with the jury’s award.