THE TRUCK ACT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9173, 2 August 1895, Page 5

THE TRUCK ACT.

At Wellington, yesterday, Mr Martin, 6.M., delivered judgment in a case under the Truck Act, in v/hich F. Cole sued Stewart and Co. for £9 15s, a claim for deductions made by the firm from the plaintiffs wages. His Worship said he wm sorry to be compelled to give judgment for the plaintiff. 'J.'ho facts were that a quantity of building and glazier's inateri.il had been sold to the plaintiff on the understanding that payment might bo made by Cole at the rate of 5s a week, or such other sum a week as Colo could pay; and the deductions from his wages were made only on the weeks that the plaintiff used these materials in the decoration of his own house and in doing work lor other persons, for which he received payment. After thirteen years' employment he left the employ of Stewart and Co., and, when they sued for payment for their accouut, he pleaded the Truck Act, and now brought au aotion for the amount deducted from Ins wages with his consent, and though had he the use of the goods. On the authority of a recent English case, ho (Mr Martin) was compelled to give judgment fo»* tho plaintiff, considering that ho hud no right to exerclie the powers conferred by the "equity and eood conscience" clause of the Magistrate's Court Act, in order to over«ri(Je the express provision of the recent Act of Parliament.