MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume XXII, 23 August 1932, Page 2

MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Before Mr F. H. Levien, S.M. The court disposed of a number of debt cases before proceeding to defended cases. MELLING v. PUKEMIRO MEDICAL SOCIETY. In this case heard at the previous court plaintiff sued the Huntly branch of the Pukemiro Medical Society for £29 Os Od, hospital expenses incurred in connection with the death of his wife from whom he was separated. Mr Clavis stated that he desired to present new evidence showing in specific cases the details of the working of the hospital benefit scheme. This would be new evidence. The Bench did not see that evidence as to the carrying out of the rules would materially affect the present case. He did not think that arguing that certain things should not have been done, was a defence for anything arising from the doing of them. Mr Clavis contended that the behaviour of a member of the Society would be affected by the general method of carrying out the scheme. In certain cases the Society had paid the hospital fees of members who had become sick or been injured beyond its immediate area. The Bench stated that apparently the members of the club took little interest in the conduct of its affairs, and quorums were hard to secure. It had been carried on very loosely because funds were good, and there was no trouble. He would not allow a few members to dictate the policy of the club in carrying out its hospital scheme. He could not see that any difference arose through a woman living apart from her husband. The rules should be redrafted as they were too loose. After further argument the Bench decided that further evidence was unnecessary. In giving judgment for plaintiff for amount claimed, £29 Os 6d, and costs totalling £7 4s, the court said this judgment was given in equity and good conscience.