SHEARING DISPUTE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20103, 5 December 1930, Page 3

SHEARING DISPUTE.

ACTION AGAINST RUNHOLDER. (SPECIAL TO TKB PAE3S.) BLENHEIM. December 4. Several Canterbury shearers who were members of a gang engaged for Marlborough runs are interested in n decision given by Mr T. E. Maunsell, S.M., in a civil action just concluded between Charles Irons, shearer, of Waimato, and Edward Francis Joseph Grigg, owner of Meadowbank station. Irons claimed that he. with others, was engaged to 6hear the flock of plaintiff and five other station-owners, making a total of 40,000 sheep. Work began at Meadowbank, but the food was unfit for human consumption, being badly cooked. Defendant refused to amend the conditions, with a result that the shearers refused to continue work, and were ordered off the property. Plaintiff therefore claimed £BS damages, resulting in loss of shearings. Defendant counter-claimed for £IOO damages, caused to sheep while held in the home paddocks after the shearers ceased work. The Magistrate was required to say whether the food was good or bad. Ho found for plaintiff, but awarded damages only on the basis of Meadowbank shearing totalling £2O and costs £ls. It is understood other members of the gang, most of whom come from Canterbury, propose proceeding against the same defendant. Security for appeal was fixed.