WIDOW’S COMPENSATION CLAIM.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 August 1930, Page 5

WIDOW’S COMPENSATION CLAIM.

DEATH OF BAKER IN RAILWAY EMPLOY. LEGAL POINT RESERVED. (By Telegraph —Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., This Day. In the Arbitration Court, Emily Catherine Braggins, widow, of Marton, proceeded against the Railway Department, seeking £IOOO compensation and £36 13s medical and funeral expenses, owing to the death of her husband, George Leonard Braggins, lately of Marton, baker, formerly employed by the Department.

It was alleged that the deceased was injured by an accident while employed by the Department and died in consequence of his injuries. The defence denied that the death of Braggins was caused by an accident arising out of his employment.

His Honour said that the Court was prepared to admit that? the fall was the result of natural causes; there was nothing to say that he had slipped. The deceased had been suffering from a serious trouble, which would have proved fatal; he was seized with illness, and did little work after a.m., being relieved from work by the manager. Under the circumstances it could not be said that the accident had occurred in the course of- the deceased’s duties. The verdict on this account would be for the respondent. As for the legal aspect—the question whether a concrete floor could have caused a locality risk —His Honour said that no definite decision would be given, in the hope that the English Court of Appeal would decide such a matter before the next case arose.