SHIPPING CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2580, 14 August 1909, Page 5

SHIPPING CASE.

AN INTERESTING LAW POINT.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 13. Mr Kettle, S.M., gave judgment this morning in a case in which the Ford Shipping Line sued the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine tor £6 4& lOd. A sailor injured on the plaintiff’s vessel was sent ashore for treatment- Defendant required the plaintiff’s company to deposit a sum to cover the sailor’s maintenance while incapacitated. Defendant disbursed out- of deposit £3 17s 6d on medical charges and £5 7s 4d wages. The sailor was attended by a private doctor, and lived \ at a hoarding-house. Plaintiff contended that they were not liable for a man’s maintenance unless he went into a public hospital, and the man was not entitled to wages, because he had signed off and received Ins discharge, lhe Magistrate held that the sailor was entitled to medical expenses, provided thev did not exceed the amount which would be paid to a public hospital. He was of opinion the act of the mans signing off terminated his engagement, hut he would like an author r a five pronouncement, and gave both sides leave to appeal. He gavA judgment for plaintiff Jo £5 V4d wages paid, and iji defendant in the matter of medical expenses. .