UNIQUE CLAIM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 47, 24 January 1939, Page 8

UNIQUE CLAIM.

GAS COMPANY SUED.

Per Press Association

CHRISTCHURCH. Jan. 24

How his wife, five children, and himself were affected bv gas poisoning was related in the Magistrate s Court to-day by Albert Jolianssen, who sued the Christchurch Gas Company lor L 29 damages. Johansson said he had been wakened by his wife falling on the floor, and all the family had been sick as a result of gas poisoning. Plaintiff alleged that the escape ol gas was due to negligence by servants of the company. Jolianssen, in evidence, said that on August J 1 last a gas stove had been installed by an employee of the gas company, and in the early hours ot the next morning he was awakened bv his wife falling. All the children and himself were affected, and his wife and two children were admitted to hospital, but bad I icon discharged within 48 hours. When a gas company employee repaired the pipe witness noticed it was rusty. Counsel for the dctence said the company was liable tor the escape ot nas but liability was limited to negligence on the part of the company. The defence claimed there had ■ been contributory negligence on the part of plaintiff, as evidence would be called to show that gas company employees had not installed the cooker hut that outside workmen must have done it. Plaintiff had smelt gas the night liefore, but had not telephoned the gas company until 8 o’clock the next morning. The case is proceeding.