His Honour Judge Wheeler was very sympathetic at Luton County Court on Thursday [February 14th, 1918] towards an 18-year-old munition worker names Olive Eva Burton, of 34 Melson Street, who met with an accident while in the employ of Messrs George Kent Ltd on December 8th which resulted in her losing the sight of one eye and being in danger for some time of losing the sight of the other.

"I hope that calamity is spared her," said the Judge, and Mr H. W. Lathom, who appeared for the applicant, was glad to assure His Honour that this was so.

The amount of compensation paid into court was £35, and Mr Lathom applied that £15 should be paid out to recoup the mother for her out-of-pocket expenses and the balance invested until the applicant reaches the age of 21 years.

Mr Lathom stated that the mother had been put to 30 journeys to London, and, as the railway fares had been increased 50 per cent, these expenses came to about £10, added to which she had to take her daughter extra nourishment while she was in hospital.

His Honour supposed this was on account of the, he would not say, starvation system exactly, but extra nourishment had to be supplied which the hospital could scarcely be expected to provide. The Judge was not quite satisfied with the necessity for the number of journeys made to London, but it was explained that after being in hospital for five week applicant had to attend as an out-patient, and as she was partially blind someone had to go with her. "It was the girl's wish," said the mother, "and I thought she would loose her sight."

His Honour expressed himself thoroughly satisfied with the reasonableness of the expenditure and allowed the application.