ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES

Evening Star, Issue 22454, 26 September 1936, Page 9

ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES

JURY QUALIFICATION DOUBTED MOTOR UNION SUGGESTS CONFERENCE [Per United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, September 25. The qualification of juries to assess damages for injuries resulting from motor accidents has been the subject of representations to the Minister of Transport (Mr Semple) by the North Island Motor Union, and at the annual meeting to-day'the South Island Motor Union agreed to give the North Island Union the fullest support. The North Island Motor Union’s letter, which was before the meeting, said that after investigation into awards of the court for damages resulting from motor accidents the union was _ concerned with the qualifications of juries to assess damages. Various alternatives to the procedure followed at present had been suggested. Some held that a special court should be established similar to that which considered marine claims, and another suggestion was that the jury could determine guilt and the damages could be assessed by a special tribunal. It had nreviously been suggested that a conference on the matter should be held during the parliamentary recess between the Minister and representatives of the Law Society, the Justice Department, the insurance companies, motor organisations, and others interested. The North Island Union asked for an assurance that this conference would be held in the South Island. The union heartily approved of the North Island Union’s letter to the Minister. Another matter concerning road accidents which was before the union was a suggestion made by the AttorneyGeneral (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason) that compensation should be paid for all injuries suffered on the road, irrespective of negligence. The union expressed agreement with the North Island Union’s suggestion that this matter should also be discussed at the conference with the Minister during the parliamentary recess. A suggestion that the South Island Motor Union should change its name so that its relationship with the Automobile Associations would Be clear was made by Southland. After considerable discussion it was agreed that the proposal bo referred to the executive to bring down a report for circulation among the affiliated associations, a decision to be made at a future meeting of delegates.