ACCIDENT INSURANCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 199, 29 August 1901, Page 3

ACCIDENT INSURANCE.

DISCUSSED BY HOSPITAL TRUSTEES.

“ Is the man who milks our cow insured ?” asked Mr Dewing at tho meeting of Hospital Trustees iast evening, “ because if that man is kicked, he will probably make a claim against us and spoil our bank balance.”

The Chairman replied that the mil

was not insured. “If he meets with an accident, we will nurse him,” added Mr Nolan.

Mr Harding took a more serious view of the subject, and was in favor of insuring the whole stall of tho Hospital. He suggested that the question of insurance should bo considered by the meeting, for as far as he had been able to interpret the Act, he believed they would be liable in the event of any member of the staff meeting with an accident, It was just as well for tho Trustees not to take any risk in the matter, and be prepared for any emergency. The premium was not a very large one. In his own business he had paid 7s 6c; per hundred, and ho be lieved the rate for the Hospital staff would be loss than that amount. Mr Warren: It is a more hazardous occupation.

Mr Johnston : Would you include tho doctor? Mr Macfarlano: If we insure the staff the doctor will of course bo included.

Mr Joyce : I do not think there is much necessity for insurance as far as the Hospital staff is concerned. The members are nearly all single. Mr Warren ; I do not think that it applies to those engaged in house work. The Premier stated that it did not apply to farm hands.

Mr Dewing : Mr Scddon said that ho did not know, and suggested that a case should be taken into court.

Mr Macfarlane : There appears to bo a difference of opinion on the question. Mr DoLautour says that it does apply to farm hands.

Mr Dewing: The man who works outside for the Hospital should be insured just the same as any other man. Mr Scddon said himself that the matter should be tried in a court of law, but until a case is decided it is as well for people to bo on the safe side.

Mr Nolan; I do not see the necessity ;or insuring.

Mr Dewing: If a member of the staff mot with an accident and we had to pay for it you would wish a policy had been taken out.

Mr Joyce ; You only have to pay half of the weekly wages. This, I think, has always been done by most employers. Mr Nolan: If an accident happens here they are treated and their wages go on.

Mr Macfarlane proposed that a committee consisting of the Chairman and Mr Harding bo appointed to furnish a report at next meeting on the question of insuring the employees. The motion was agreed to.