LOSS OF AN EYE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22355, 28 February 1936, Page 14

LOSS OF AN EYE

BOX FACTORY MISHAP DAMAGES CLAIM SETTLED STATEMENT FOR COMPANY [FROM OITR OWN CORRESPONDENT] HAMILTON. Thursday A settlement was announced in the Hamilton Supreme- Court today in the case in which Hector Henderson, boxmaker, of Hamilton East (Mr. A. L. Tompkins), sought to recover £1249 from the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company; Limited (Mr. F. J. Strang), as damages arising out of an accident which occurred in the company's box factory at Frankton Junction on October 17 last. Plaintiff claimed that while operating a box-making machine' a wire sprang from the machine and pierced his right eye, destroying the sight Plaintiff alleged that the company was negligent in not providing proper safeguards to the machine. Mr. Tompkins said the parties had agreed, to a settlement on the payment to plaintiff of £425. Mr. Strang said the company had at all times acknowledged its liability to plaintiff, and from motives of sympathy made an allowance to him in addition to that to which he was strictly entitled. It denied that it had been negligent, and was doubtful if any further safeguards could be provided with advantage to the workmen. It had always been solicitous for the safety of its employees, and its factory was the best equipped of its kind in New Zealand or Australia. Tho possibilities of further protecting the workmen wero being explored and experiments with a view to ensuring the greatest degree of safety were being undertaken. Mr. Strang added that tho company had agreed to find suitable employment for plaintiff. The case was struck out.