USE OF EXPLOSIVES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23941, 17 October 1939, Page 8

USE OF EXPLOSIVES

WOMAN'S UNUSUAL CLAIM INJURY TO NERVES ALLEGED (Special ro Daily Times) WELLINGTON, Oct. 16. Allegations that explosions on demolition work at the Wellington Public Hospital adjoining her property had caused her shock, brought about a nervous condition and anxiety, and had rendered her incapable of following her occupation were made in the Supreme Court to-day by Mary Elizabeth Blanche Bradley, a widow, of Penrose avenue, who claimed damages amounting to £328 J4s from Michael Gordon Temploton, contractor, of Wellington. Mrs Bradley said in her statement of claim that until April 15 last she was a domestic in the Nurses' Home at the hospital. In March and April the defendant was contracting at the hospital reserve adjoining her property, part of the work being the demolition of a concrete wall separating the reserve from her land. On April 13 and 15 explosive material was used alongside, near, or in the concrete wall. Che alleged that the defendant was negligent in using explosive material near a public place and private residences, which, having regard to the fact that he was unlicensed to do so, was calculated to endanger and frighten the users or occupants. A further allegation was that the defendant had failed to give adequate warning to the plaintiff and others of his intention to use explosive. Th» claim consisted of £49 10s for loss of wages, £4 4s medical expenses. and £275 general damages. The defence is a denial of negligence. The hearing was unfinished when the court rose for the day.