A DAMAGED FINGER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10898, 12 May 1921, Page 7

A DAMAGED FINGER

CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION. RESERVED, The Court of Arbitration was engaged yesterday hearing a case in which Alfred Peterson, a waterside worker, claimed against the New Zealand Shipping Company for compensation respecting an injury to his right hand. Tlie court consisted of Mr. Justice Frazer, Mr W. Scott ((employers’ representative), and Mr J. A. McCullough (employees’ representative). Mr P. J. O’Regan appeared for the claimant and Mr H. E. Evans represented the New Zealand Shipping Company. It appeared that while assisting in the discharge of the steamer Otaki about a year ago Peterson met with an accident; in which hiß right hand was injured. Since then the Shipping Company had been paying him- halfwages (£2 9s 6d pear week), and the question for the court was Iffie amount to which Peterson was entitled in fall settlement of the matter.

Evidence -was given by Dr. Faulks that the injury was mainly to the middle finger of the right hand. The hand had been left weak as a result of the accident. He advised that the damaged finger should be amputated. / Dr. Giesen said he examined the hand in December, and considered the middle finger would never be of any use. That was the condition of the hand to-day. The effect on the hand was that he was unable to absoluttely clench his fist, but it did not prevent him from carrying out the ordinary movements of the nand.

Mr Evans: Do you think that Peterson, after using the hand, will be able to go back to work as before? Witness: Certainly he will. Mr Evans: To what extent do you think the work will strengthen the good fingers P Witness: They will he as good as they used to be. Mr Evans: Do you think the damaged finger should be cut off? Witness said that would he better, because it would be always in the way. Mr O’Regan: And if he had the finger off how long would it be before he could be expected to go back to work? Witness: About three months. Decision was reserved.