COMPENSATION CLAIM

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 144, 15 December 1933, Page 11

COMPENSATION CLAIM

JUDGMENT FOR PLAINTIFF

Reserved judgment has been delivered by the Arbitration Court in the compensation claim made by Thomas Lawson, waterside worker, of Wellington, against the Wellington Harbour Board as a result of an accidental injury received by the plaintiff on March 1 last while assisting to lift a launch. He suffered a strain or rick of. the musces of his back, and claimed that he became totally incapacitated and would remain so for an indefinite period. The defendant board admitted the accident, but contended that the plaintiff was suffering from locomotor ataxia, and that his incapacity was due to disease, and not to a ricked back. It was admitted that the accident arose out o£ and in tho course of the plaintiff's employment by the board. In view of the conflicting nature of the medical evidence, the medical aspects of the case were referred to Dr. J. R. Boyd, who' was asked for a general report and for specific answers to issues agreed upon by counsel. On receipt of Dr. Boyd's report the Court gave judgment for the plaintiff for full compensation up to November 21, 1933, and for a period of sixteen weeks thereafter, credit to be given for. all payments already made. The plaintiff was allowed £1 medical fee, £10 10s costs, and £6 6s witnesses' allowances. At the hearing Mr. P. J. O'Eegan ap.peared for the plaintiff^ and Mr. G. G. Watson for the Harbour Board.

The City Council has agreed that the Basin Beserve shall be-made available to the Wellington Amateur* Athletic Association for daylight- sports meetings, the council's percentage of gross gate takings to be reduced to 15 per cent., and to the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club for an evening spcjits meeting on January 13, on the usual conditions, the council to collect 15 per cent, gross gate takings and .50 per-cent, gross of the stand takings. The Khandallah Swimming Club has been granted the use of the Khandallah baths for the opening of the swimming season on December 16 at a fee- of os, and the use of the baths from 6.30 a.m. to. 7.30 a.m. eac'K morning during the swimming season, a fee of £1 to. be charged.