(b) Whenever the Special Tariffs involve the application of the 4th Class rates, the rates fixed for the 5th kilometre have been adopted (the same way as in the case of the General Standard Scales) for distances of from 1 to 4 kilometres.
LIABILITY.
The Belgian Railway Administration undertake no responsibility for a delay of six hours or less to horses and cattle, beyond which their responsibility is limited to the amount of the carriage; provided that the delay does not arise from any accidents, accumulation of traffic, or circumstances beyond the Companies’ control. For Goods Traffic they are not responsible for
Tariff No. 1. (Passenger Train), a delay of six hours or less.
” 2. (Goods Train), a delay of one day or less.
” 3. (Goods Train), a delay of two days or less.
Their responsibility is limited to one-tenth of the carriage for every day’s delay beyond the fixed time of transit. After the expiration of 15 days the goods are considered lost. If they are subsequently found Consignee is entitled to take delivery on returning to the Railway three-fourths of the indemnity paid to him. Senders may insure their goods against delay by payment of a premium of 50 centimes per 1,000 frs. (5d. per £40), on the value upon which they wish to be indemnified in case of delay.
In case of loss of, or damage to goods carried by passenger train on the conditions of Tariffs Nos. 1 and 2, the Railways are responsible to the extent of 4 frs. per kilogramme (1s. 6d. per 1 lb.), and in respect of goods carried by goods train at the conditions of Tariff No. 3, 75 centimes per kilogramme (3½d. per 1 lb.) The goods can, however, be insured for their actual value, the premium for insurance against damage or loss being 50 centimes per 1,000 frs., the same as for insurance against delay.
On payment of the two premiums the goods may be insured at the same time against delay, damage or loss, but the indemnity is in no case to exceed the actual loss sustained by the owner through the delay, damage or loss.
The Railway Administration decline all liability for damage:—
(a) Unless it be stated at the time of delivery, or within 24 hours of advice of arrival of goods to order, or if the goods are refused by consignee.
(b) If the case or packing shows no outward trace of breakage or wet.