DEATH OF BREAD-WINNER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15730, 3 October 1914, Page 5

DEATH OF BREAD-WINNER.

I COMPENSATION FOR MOTHER. In consequence of the death of their son, the bread-winner of the family, William Francis Petford and Elizabeth Petford, of Ponsonby, yesterday brought an action against Messrs. Bond and Bell, merchants, Auckland, for compensation amounting to £350, for funeral expenses £15, and for such other sums as the Court might consider them entitled to.

The case was heard before the Arbitration Court, consisting 0 f His Honor -Mr. Justice Stringer, and Messrs. W. Scott, employers' representative, and J. A. McCuliough, workers' representative. Mr. ~% <? lton appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. R. McVeagh for the defendant. living evidence, the mother, Mrs Elizabeth Petford, said that her son, Ihaddeus John Petford, was killed on December 3, 1913, at a railway crossing in Auckland whilst driving a Cart for Messrs. Bond and Bell. He was 24 years of age was in receipt of £2 8s a week, and had been employed by Bond and Bell for 12 months, at the time of his death. She depended upon his earnings, which were handed over to her every week. Her' husband, a plumber, was 65 years of age, and was unable to earn more than £2 15s a week. The family also consisted of a daughter, Elizabeth Petford; -aged 23 whose health was very indifferent, and a son, William Francis Petford, aced 21 who was suffering from a physical infirmity-. The loss of her elder sou had been a serious blow to the family's finances, and now, instead of saving a few shillings, she was running into debt. His Honor said that after taking all the facts into consideration the Court would regard the mother as the sole dependent, and would allow her £150. Funeral expenses £15, and costs £5 is would also be allowed. *