.-No suit shall be instituted against a common carrier for the loss of, or injury to, [goods (including container, pallet or similar article of transport used to consolidate goods) entrusted]] [ Substituted by Act 28 of 1993, Sections 31 and Sch., for " goods entrusted " (w.r.e.f. 16.10.1992).] to him for carriage, unless notice in writing of the loss or injury has been given to him before the institution of the suit and within six months of the time when the loss or injury first came to the knowledge of the plaintiff.