NEGLIGENCE FACTOR

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 10, 5 October 1937, Page 7

NEGLIGENCE FACTOR

-Presa Aasociation.)

Motor-Accident Damages

(By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, Las't Night. The proposal of the Attorncy-Gener-al (Hon, H. G. R. Mason) to introduee a Bill removing the necessity of proving negligence in claims for damages by persons injured in road accidents was discussed by the executive of the Automobile Association (Wellington) in committee to-night. After the hearing on the report on interview which motorists' representatives had with Mr. Mason it ' wa* stated that both motor unions had protesfed against the principle. The secretary, Mr. W. A. Sutherland, reported that representatives of the N.I.M.U.; and S.I.M.U. had interviowed the ' Attorney-General regarding the proposal as the Minister wanted to obtain the opinions of the union's representatives. They told him they disagreed with the principle holding that motorists were responsible for all accidents , whether they wero to blame or not. The Minister replied that he would consider the subject further and allow them to have the Bill after it had been drafted. Mr. Sutherland said he believed thc Bill was now in draft form and he expected it would be reeeived this weelr. ''with premiums which we think will be eonsiderably increased." ''The Minister seemed to think therc would be a very small iner6ase o±' a few pence ycarly to motorists," continued Mr. Sutherland, "I think there is room for disagroement there. Tha Minister did point out that the prem* ium would have to be increased in any case because it is not on a payable baais. ' ' Probably another conference of motor unions will be held this week.