“AN OUTRAGEOUS THING”

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1934, Page 7

“AN OUTRAGEOUS THING”

JUDGE’S STRONG COMMENT

RAILWAY DEPARTMENT’S ACTION.

INDEMNITY FROM INJURED MAN.

EMPLOYEE LATER DISCHARGED.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Palmerston N., July 19.

Sharp criticism of the action of the Railway Department in seeking an indemnity from a former employee, Joseph Henry Lewis, against accidental compensation for a wrist injury on the ground that he was suffering from neuritis in the left ukiar nerve —this being the opinion the department had obtained from its own medical officer—was made by Mr. Justice Blair at the hearing of a compensation claim in the Arbitration Court. , ~ It was stated in evidence by the suppliant that he had been informed he would “be dealt with” if he did not sign the indemnity. He refused, and subsequently his employment terminated. The Judge, in discussing with counsel the question of indemnity, stated that unless there were very cogent reasons the department’s action might require a good deal of explanation. It seemed shocking that Lewis should be asked to sign an indemnity before steps were taken to confirm the correctness or otherwise of the medical opinion obtained by the department. The Judge added: “It is a most extraordinary and dangerous practice. It is an outrageous thing for the department to ask—highly improper and shocking. After a perusal of the indemnity the Judge said: T like their impudence. They had better stop it.” . A witness for the department denied that Lewis was discharged because he refused to sign. Lewis, who claimed £506, was awarded £2OO.