ARBITRATION COURT

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14830, 22 November 1913, Page 6

ARBITRATION COURT

SITTINGS AT TIMARU

(PUBSS ASSOCUTIONJBPLEQHAK.) TIMARU, November 21

The Arbitration Court to-day, Mr Justice Sim presiding, heard a widow's claim for compensation for the loss of her husband, an employee of the Borough Council. It was alleged that the deceased had been previously in good health,, but when pulling a heavy roller in making.a new asphalt path, in August last, he strained his heart and died in consequence in January. The medical evidence varied somewhat, The Court found that no connexion could be established between the accident in August and the death in January. The man probably suffered from heartdisease before, and the disease had gradually reached a critical condition. There was nothing to show that pulling the roller had caused death. If no had collapsed at tho time ho felt ill, a different conclusion could have been drawn, but he continued his work. Death was probably due to valvular disease of the heart. Judgment was given for the defendants, who did not ask for costs.

The now Tiroaru Watemders' Union applied to have their agreement with the employers ratified. Tho Court agreed to make it an award after eomo technical alterations.

The Christehurch General Labourers' Union applied to have the. Timaru employers joined in their award. The rate of pay, Is 2d an hour, was agreed to, bat applications tor exemption made by a number of firms and the Timaru Harbour Board were strongly opposed by Mr E. Howard (for the Union). Tho Court reserved its decision. A man lately employed as cook on the ketch Lizzie Taylor sought compensation for a broken leg. which he said he had sustained while buying meat for his ship. The evidence was against him, and as he- failed to give tho necessary notice of his claim he was nonsuited. The Christehurch Journalists* Union" brought a case regarding country journalists. After hearing the evidencn. the Court reserved decision. Business was concluded at 9.30 p.m.