COMPENSATION CLAIM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 759, 4 September 1929, Page 9

COMPENSATION CLAIM

ACCIDENT WHILE UNLOADING STEAMER WATERSIDER INJURED Alleging that as the result of an accident while unloading the steamer Golden State at Central Wharf on January 28, 1929, he was unable to continue his work as a waterside worker, Charles Boys asked for compensation from Leonard and Dingley, Ltd., from May 27, 1929, at the Arbitration Court this morning. Mr. J. J, Sullivan appeared for Boys and Mr. J. More represented defendant compar v. The .ppening of the accident was not in dispute, said Mr. J. J. Sullivan. It was simply a matter of medical evidence as to whether Boys had been prevented from following his usual occupation as a result of the accident.

Boys had been working on the wharf unloading the Golden State, and had had his two arms below a sling of cargo when it had been suddenly lowered, causing injuries to his arms and back. The defendant company had paid Boys compensation at the rate of £3 Ss 5d a week from the time of the accident until May 27, 1929. It was now contended that Boys, who had been in excellent condition before the accident, was unable to work in the meanwhile, and compensation at the rate of *£ 3 8s 5d a week was asked from May 27, and in addition, medical expenses were sought. Boys was now’ suffering from bone disease. Medical evidence was called to show that Boys had been in good health before the accident. Though he had suffered an accident in 1911, it had not caused any injury to his spine, as had happened now.

In evidence, plaintiff said he liad been making good money working in Auckland for some years before the accident last January. There had been a previous accident to his leg several years ago, but liis spine had not been affected. For the defence medical evidence was called to show that plaintiff was not a fit man before the accident, and that he should have recovered from its effects within six months. (Proceeding.)