Liability of Shipowners.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7181, 4 June 1891, Page 4

Liability of Shipowners.

[Per Press Association.] INVERCAEGILL, June 3. MerriSeld, an indentured apprenticed seaman, to-day recovered the amount o£ his claim from W. S. Waterston, shipowner, under the following circumstances : — He had his wrist injured at sea, but the injury was not considered serious. As it became worse the shipmaster sent him to Guy's Hospital, at London ; and as it did not improve he was lefb in England m 1889. Later on the hand had to be amputated, and plaintiff's health suffered to such an extent that he waß put to considerable expense. On the ship's return from the Colony in 1890 he presented himself for the purpose of being brought back. He was taken to Mauritius, and from there sent to New Zealand, £5 being given towards his passage money by the master. Defendant proposed to pay the plaintiff hi 3 wages less the money advanced in London, but the action was brought for the recovery of the amount expended in medical attendance, board, lodging, &c, and under Clause 103 of the Shipping Act the Resident Magistrate gave judgment for the claim, less the cost of an artificial hand and passage money from Mauritius, .£35 9a, and costs JB6 4s. An appeal will probably be made.