CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2515, 31 May 1909, Page 5

CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION.

THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY.

[Per Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, May 29. A motorman named Barton, who received serious injuries some time ago, owing to the car he was driving colliding with a State coal waggon, failed to receive compensation from the Government, it being proved in Court that a State coal waggon was not a public work, or some other such legal technicality. A deputation from the Wellington City Council, headed by the Moyor, Dr "A. Iv. Newman, waited on Sir Joseph Ward and brought the matter under his notice. Dr Newman said it was a very undesirable state of things that the motorman could get no redress from the Government owing to the slate oi‘ the law. He thought the Government should not shelter itself behind such a plea, but be on the same level in such cases as private individuals. Sir Joseph Ward said he remembered the case. The decision was subject to the law 'of the case. He understood that the man had redress against the Corporation to the amount available under tlio Workers' Compensation Act. He was advised that that was so. The Moyor : That is not so. Sir Joseph Ward said he could assure the deputation that that was so, and the man should apply and get it. The Government was clearly advised that the Corporation was liable under the Workers’ Compensation Act. D r N ewman wanted to know if that meant that the Government would get out of -J liability. The Prime Minister said he was nor prepared to speak upon the broad question as to whether the State should he in the same position as a private employer. Nine people out of ten made SU ch ridiculously high claims when suing the Government, claims of such amount that they would never he put before a private individual. There was another point, however, which wanted consideration, and that u as in regard to claims arising out of circumstances when the Government T\as engaged in a commercial pursuit. There was a great deal to Ire said in favor of the Government in such cases being put in the same position as a. private employer. There had to be some safeguard for the Government. He. however, said that was laid down by all Governments. At all 'events, the representations of the deputation would be considered. A hasty opinion could not be arrived at. He did not- think that the man referred to should not have redress somewhere, but as previously stated, he had been advised in regard to the claim the man had on the C< The r Mayor: But that does not relieve the Corporation.