RAILWAYS METHODS

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 October 1939, Page 3

RAILWAYS METHODS

CHIEF JUSTICE '‘AMAZED.” [PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] HAMILTON, October 21. Amazement at the manner in which the Railways Department dealt with a I consignment of racehorses was ex- i pressed by the Chief Justice (Sir Mi- < ehael Myers) in the Supreme Court at i Hamilton yesterday during the hearing ' of a claim for £BOO damages sought by A. E. Handrup, of Matamata, for the loss of the racehorse Calcutta, which was injured while bein’g unloaded [from a train at Rotorua. The horse [ultimately died as the result of injuries. . Witnesses employed by the Raiways Department at Rotorua had stated that although there was a light in the station yard it was not switched on when the horse was unloaded late at night, and it was also stated that no employee from the station was present to supervise the unloading. Another witness .said that when the horse was consigned from Thames no declaration of its value was received. “On the evidence, the way in which the department conducts its business with regard to the carriage of horses is simply shocking,” commented his Honor. “Even if an animal is of small value it is entitled to full cate. The evidence in this case amazes me. A case of this sort, whatever the re- ] suit mav be, may be a blessing in dis- ’ guise. It may lead to better business methods in future. The jury found for £290 damages. Mr. North, for the suppliant, moved ’ for judgment, but Mr. N. A. Foden, Wellington, for the Crown, renewed I his submission that under section Io of the Government Railways Act, 1. -t>. the suppliant was not entitled to more than £l5- The motion for judgment was adjourned.