CLAIM FOR INJURED EYE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 891, 7 February 1930, Page 11

CLAIM FOR INJURED EYE

MINER SEEKS DAMAGES

COURT REFUSES AWARD From Our Own Correspondent HAMILTON, Today. A claim for compensation for the loss of an eye, allegedly the result of a blow from a piece of quartz, made by Alfred Richard Cornes, a miner, of Waihi, against the Waihi Gold Mining Company, was heard in the Arbitration Court at Hamilton today. Mr. Justice Frazer presided and had associated with him Mr. L. J. Schmitt, assessor for the employers, and Mr. A. L. Monteith, assessor for the employees. Mr. F. J. O’Regan appeared for plaintiff and Mr. H. P. Richmond represented defendants. After an accident to his right eye plaintiff noticed a dimness in his left ey© and consulted Dr. Fairclougli, of Auckland, who diagnosed a cataract. Dr. Beveridge, of Hamilton, examined plaintiff on October 15 and 29 and on November 12 and 23 and diagnosed the cataract as progressively worse. Plaintiff alleged that the condition of the left eye was due directly or indirectly to a blow on the right temple. On March 25 the case came before the Arbitration Court at Auckland and as medical opinion was divided the case was adjourned for further medical opinion. The medical evidence showed that an operation would substantially improve the eye and the court declined to treat the eye as a total loss or to make any award of compensation, but made a- declaration of liability to enable plaintiff to make a further claim in the event of the eye becoming a total loss. Costs of £l2 12s and witnesses* expenses were allowed against defendants.