TRANSPORT OF HORSES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 October 1939, Page 9

TRANSPORT OF HORSES

CLAIM AGAINST RAILWAYS DEPARTMENT. JUDGE EXPRESSES AMAZEMENT AT METHODS EMPLOYED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) HAMILTON, October 21. Amazement at the manner in which the Railways Department, dealt with a consignment of racehorses was expressed by the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) in the Supreme Court, Hamilton, during the hearing of a claim for £BOO damages sought by Mr A. E. Randrup, Matamata, for loss of the racehorse Calcutta, which was injured while being unloaded from a train at Rotorua. The horse ultimately succumbed to its injuries. Witnesses employed by the Railways Department at Rotorua had stated that, though there was a light in the station yard, it was not switched on when the horse was unloaded late at night, and it was also stated that no employee from the station was present to supervise the unloading. Another witness stated that when the horse was consigned from Thames no declaration of value was received with regard to it. “On the evidence, the way in which the department conducts its business with regard to the carriage of horses is simply shocking,” commented his Honour. “Even if an animal is of small value it is entitled to full business care. The evidence in this case amazes me. A case of this sort, whatever the result may be, may be a blessing in disguise. It may lead to bettei’ business methods in future.” The jury found for £290 damages. ' Mr North, for the suppliant, moved for judgment, but Dr N. A. Foden ; (Wellington), for the Crown, renewed a submission that under section 15 of J the Government Railways Act, 1926, ; the suppliant was not entitled to more 1 than £l5. The motion for judgment was adjourned. (