COMPENSATION CLAIM.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 17 March 1927, Page 10

COMPENSATION CLAIM.

<►> j WATERSIDER’S INJURIES. j By Telegraph—Press Association. GISBORNE, March 16. An accident aboard the steamer Kamo in Gisborne roadstead oil November 9th hist had a sequel in the Supreme Court to-day, when Mr Justice Ostler hoiird a claim for damages totalling £"2615, brought by John McKay, victim of the mishap, against the Union Steamship Co. Plaintiff claimed that at the time of the accident the system known as baekstacking was followed in stowing cargo in No. 4 hold, Port Ahuriri cargo being stowed aft, and Gisborne cargo forward. The accident occurred after the greater part of the Gisborne cargo had been removed, and ecnsoquently lightened the ship aft. Hie altered position, together with the motion of the propellers, increased the forward inclination, with the result that Port cargo fell, plaintiff being injured. Negligence by the Company was alleged, in that Gisborne cargo was discharged first, whereas the ship was loaded with the intention of discharging Port Ahuriri cargo first. The defence admitted the 1: cts alleged, with the exception of negligence, also the extent of injuries, but contended that plaintiff was not totally disabled or permanently injured. A suggestion that plaintiff’s wages were £'s week'y was denied. Plaintiff lmd received on- account of payments under the Workers’ Compensation Act £202 7s Cd, and whilst denying grounds tor 'liability, defendant company had paid into court £797 12s 6d, contending that this sum was sufficient to satisfy the claim. After hearing lengthy .evidence, decision was reserved.