LAW OF COMPENSATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16762, 31 January 1918, Page 4

LAW OF COMPENSATION.

LIABILITY OP EMPLOYERS. [by telegraph.—press association.] WELLINGTON. Wednesday. The Court of Appeal delivered judgment to-day in the case of Robin versus theUnion Steam Ship Company, raising tha question whether in an action against an employer by a wife or other dependant of a deceased servant through negligence of a fellow-servant damages are unlimited, or whether damages are limited to £500. The question turned on the construction of section 62 of the Workers' Compensation Act, 1908, as amended by section 13 of the Act of 1911. The claim was for £1000 by plaintiff, as daughter of the late John Robin, who died as the result of an accident on a cargo steamer on April 2, 1917. Defendant issued a summons to amend the claim by reducing it to £500 in the Lower Court. Mr. Justice Hoskings dismissed the summons, and defendant now asked the Appeal Court to review Judge Hoskings's decision. The Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Cooper upheld the contention that the claim must be limited to £500 under the Workers' Compensation Act. Justices Denniston and Chapman held that the claim was riot so limited. Judge Hoskings's decision therefore stands. Leave to appeal further was granted.