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Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1928, Page 1

COMPi.NSA I'IOX CLAIM. ArCKLAXIX May 3. The difficult task of assessing, the face of cortradictoiy medical evidence. the degree of physical disability resulting from an accidental fracture of the spine-a case whic.i the doctors said was unprecedented in their experience—oamc before the Arbitration Court. The ease was one in which a hihoin--0 1. John Francis M.Mrath, claimed compensation from the Corporation of the City of Auckland, in respect of an injury he sustained while working for the Tramways Department. The points generally ad.nitte 1 were that the plaintift injured his hack "hde lifting a heavy slab of concrete in February. lD2r. In July, while enr,aired in similar heavy work, his hack was again affected, and as result ol an X-ray examination, it was revealed that two spinous processes, which anchored certain muscles of the back, h.id been fractured. The medical witnesses for both sides agreed that the t-c.se was unprecedented in their experience, while referj once to recognised authorities was of little assistance.

Compensation for. temporary incap-! ac-ity was awarded at tlic foil rates from the date of last payment to date, and, for another three months, and in ' respect' peimanent disability the Court awarded compensation at the rate of 10s per week for the remainder of the period of liability. Plaintiff was awarded costs £lO 10s and medical witnesses expenses,