“BETTER STOP IT.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20361, 19 July 1934, Page 10

“BETTER STOP IT.”

Judge Sharply Criticises Department. COMPENSATION CASE EVIDENCE. Per Press Association. PALMERSTON NORTH, July 19. Sharp criticism of the action of the Railway Department in seeking an indemnity from a former employee, Joseph Henry Lewis, against accident compensation for a wrist injury, on the ground that he was suffering from neuritis in the left ulnar nerve—this being the opinion that 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 was terminated.

The Judge, in discussing with counsel the question of indemnity, stated that unless there was a very cogent reason, 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 had been taken tp confirm the correctness or otherwise of the medical opinion obtained by the department. The Judge added: It is a most extraordinary practice; a dangerous practice. It is an outrageous thing for the department to ask, and highly improper. It is shocking. After a perusal of the indemnity the Judge said: ‘‘l like their impudence. They had better stop it.” Witnesses for the department denied that Lewis had been discharged because he refused to sign Lewis, who claimed £506, was awarded £2OO.