TRANSPORT OF STOCK

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20463, 1 April 1938, Page 8

TRANSPORT OF STOCK

QUESTION OF LIABILITY INSURANCE IMPRACTICABLE The question of the liability of « carrier for the loss of live stock .luring transit came up for discussion at the monthly meeting of the Waikato sub-provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union to-day, when a copy of a letter from the Cambridge branch to the Cambridge Carriers’ Association was received. Mr G. T. Crawley presided. The Cambridge branch stated that it had received an inquiry asking if a carrier who, while convey.ug slock, met with an accident whieii resulted in death or injury to the animals, was liable for damages. The question of insurance to cover such a case was also mentioned. A reply from the secretary of the Cambridge District Carters’ Association stated that the carr'em held no cover respecting death or Injury to stock. The question of such insurance had been fully investigated by a member of the association but the cost was prohibitive. If a scheme were brought into force the cost could "only be passed on to the farmer concerned. It was understood that the rate represented 2 per cent of the stock carried. The writer expressed the opinion that the liability would depend largely on whether the carrier had been negligent. Some carriers guaranteed losses of stock by suffocation, while others did not. It was largely a matter for arrangement between the parties concerned. The matter was referred to Auckland to obtain a legal opinion regarding the question of liability.