RELIEF MAN’S DEATH

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 259, 28 July 1932, Page 11

RELIEF MAN’S DEATH

Evidence of Weak Heart COMPENSATION FOR WIFE By Telegraph—Press Association Christchurch. July 27. The death of a relief worker, Christopher Dalwood, formerly in the employ of the Christchurch City Corporation, was the subject of a compensation claim in the Arbitration Court to-day. Dalwood collapsed and died while at work spreading screenings during street repair works. A post-mortem examination revealed a weak heart, and there was evidence that some time before death Dalwood had giddy turns. Dr. Pearson, who conducted the postmortem examination, said Dalwood’s work had been a factor in causing death; the man having a badly diseased and dilated heart. With his heart in that condition death could possibly have occurred while the man was in bed or walking about. Medical evidence for the defence was that the man was In such a condition that he might have died while resting. Giving judgment, Mr. Justice Frazer said It seemed clear from the medical evidence that the man in any event could not have lived more than a few weeks or months. Yet as the law stood his case was the same as that of a sound and healthy man who died us the result of a ton of bricks falling on him.

The weekly earnings of Dalwood were not accurately ascertained, but his Honour gave judgment for the widow, leaving the amount of payment to be determined after the exact