AIR TRANSPORT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 6

AIR TRANSPORT

CONDITIONS OF LIABILITY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday Moving the second reading of the Carriage by Air Bill in the House of Representatives to-day, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, said the measure was designed to ratify the convention to secure uniformity in all countries for the carriage of goods and passengers by air between and over the territories of different nations. It regulated the rights and duties of the carrier, consignor and consignee, including the liability of the carrier in respect to death or injuries of passengers or loss or damage to goods or luggage, and in respect to delay. The carrier was liable, said Mr Jones, up to a certain amount for all damages and loss sustained unless he could prove he was not to blame. The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, agreed that it was desirable that there should be international uniformity, and said the bill seemed a desirable one. Principle of Justice Mr S. G. Holland (Opposition— Christchurch North) said the Minister had stated that unless the carrier could prove his innocence he would be held to be guilty. In Mr Holland’s opinion this struck at the primary principle of British justice. Mr W. P. Endean (Opposition— Remuera) suggested that the measure should be referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. This was agreed to by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, and the bill was read a second time and referred to that committee. The House adjourned for lunch at 1 p.m.