COMPENSATION AWARDED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20950, 13 August 1931, Page 13

COMPENSATION AWARDED.

WORKER'S INJURED KNEE. ACCIDENT IN SHIP'S HOLD. As a sequel to an accident on the Swedish rnotor-ship Parrakoola in September last year, a claim for compensation was brought in the Arbitration Court yesterday by Hugh Maher, of Parnell, labourer (Mr. Sullivan), against Nearing and Company, of Auckland, stevedores (Mr. Hubble). Plaintiff was working in the hold of the vessel, which was moored at Queen's Wharf, on September 12, 1930. As he was making up a sling a pile of sacks of plaster behind him suddenly collapsed. Plaintiff was struck, his right knee being injured. He was taken to the Auckland Hospital and treated, and on returning to his home was confined to his bed for five weeks.

Plaintiff claimed that he was still unable to earn wages. His previous average earnings were £5 17s 4d a week. Defendant company had paid weekly compensation up to March 27, 1931, and the parties were unable to agree as to the amount of further compensation. Maher claimed £3 18s 2d a week from March 27 until the present date, and such additional compensation as might be allowed by the Court. The circumstances of the accident were not contested by defendant, and after three medical witnesses had stated that plaintiff would be incapacitated for a further three months, the Court allowed Maher full compensation to date and for a further 13 weeks, in addition to £lO 10s costs and £6 6s witnesses' expenses.