UNINSURED WORKMAN.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1360, 10 February 1912, Page 5

UNINSURED WORKMAN.

■ « UNUSUAL CASE IN BANKRUPTCY, (By TelcgrapU-PrcEß Association.) Duncdin, February 9. .1. Cooper to-day applied for his dis* eiiargo in bankruptcy. He was represented by Mr. D. Reid, and Mr. G. H. Jhompson nppeared on behalf 01 Mrs. JjiickiP, to. oppose. Mr. Thompson said the creditor he represented was practically tho only creditor in tho estate, her claim being .£SOO oa account of the death of her husband while employed in the bankrupt's mine. J. he bankrupt did not have his workmen insured. Under the circumstances, counsel contended that he had brousht himself under tho Act, in that he liad been grossly negligent. His Honour: "Where is the nc»ligence:-" " Mr. Thompson: "Tho failure to insure Ins employees." His Honour: "Ho hos no duty to insure his employees. A man insured to indemnify himself. It is for his own benefit. Mr. Thompson said the terms of (lii» bankrupt's lease provided that he should' insure his employees, but ho had disregarded it. His Honour: "That is a matter between him and the landlord." Mr. Thompson said tho matter had been brought under the bankrupt's notice trom the inception of his tenancy, but he had not insured. Mr. Thompson also urged the point that the application for discharge was premature. After further argument, his Honour said the application was premature. At the snm<j time ho did not think that tho tact that the bankrupt had omitted to indemnify himself against loss was suflicient reason in itself for suspending the order for his discharge. The application was ordered to stand over.