ACCIDENT LIABILITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 99, 23 October 1936, Page 8

ACCIDENT LIABILITY

RACING INSURANCE

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Some weeks ago I gave reasons through your columns in support of the view that the victims of motor accidents should be entitled absolutely to monetary reparation. Inadvertently I omitted one fact which affords the proposal powerful support, and accordingly I append these supplementary lines: It is noteworthy that for fully thirtythree years past the racing men of New Zealand have voluntarily taxed themselves to provide compensation for injured riders and trainers far in excess of the benefits conferred by the Workers' Compensation Act. It is doubtful whether, as a matter-ot law. the' relation of master and servant really exists between the rider and the owner of a racehorse, though as a general rule trainers are certainly within the ambit of the statute. Liability for accident is always admitted, however, not merely to the extent of two-thirds of the injured man's earnings, but for medical and .hospital expenses as well. The Workers' Compensation Act ordains for non-fatal cases no hospital expenses and no, medical expenses in excess of £1, but the New Zealand Racing Conference, without legal obligation, has framed a complete system of compensation on its own account, including payment of medical and hospital expenses, and the system is financed by an annual levy on the owners of racehorses. Thus the racing men of New 2ealand have voluntarily taken the initiative in providing a system of substantial insurance for injured riders and trainers, whether the injuries were sustained in the course of their employment or otherwise. That they have done so is exceedingly creditable to themselves, but affords also a very strong argument in favour of the principle being extended to motor accidents. Presumably it is too much to expect that motorists will take the initiative without legal compulsion, but assuredly the time has arrived when Parliament should face the question by enforcing the principle of absolute liability.—l am, etc., P. J. O'REGAN. October 21.