COURTS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20039, 24 March 1914, Page 5

COURTS.

(Per Press Association.) WESTPORT, March 23. A case of some importance to the West Coast was brought by Hugh Taylor, of Irianjgahua Junction, before the Compensation/ Court, Taylor claiming £1930 as compensation for lands taken for railway purposes, for the loss of asawmill, for the loss of water ri&his*, and for injurious affections of land. Durms: the hearing of the case, Mr Macassev (for the Crown) contended that claimant was entitled to the value of the land taken, but the Crown was entitled as a set-off against the claim of the injurious affections of land, to the betterment that has increased the value of the land by reason/ of the railway being brought to the district even though the benefit was shared by other residents. His Honour held that the Crown must show special benefit to the claimant's land over and above that shared by his neighbours, and after furfher discussion His Honour agreed with Mr Macassey's contention.

The Court, after a short retirement, gave judgment for claimant for £165, claimant to pay assessors' fees (totalling sixty guineas), and his own costs. The matter of some four acres and trespass for bushfelling purposes onj some 5 acres was left to claimant to have separate dealings with, the Government.