Singer wants contract ended

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32848, 23 February 1972, Page 2

Singer wants contract ended

(Nl Press Assn.—Copvnt'ht>

SYDNEY, Feb. 22.

A man who acted as agent for a New Zealand singer, Dinah Lee, for six years had never accounted to her for her substantial earnings, a barrister said in Sydney today.

The barrister, Mr F. J. Gonnly, said Miss Lee’s annual gross earnings had exceeded $20,000, and one year had reached $28,030. Mr Gonnly applied to Mr Justice Sheppard in th,; Industrial Commission for an order declaring void a contract between Miss Le;, of

Brighton-le-Sands, and James Noel Haddleton, of Sylvania Waters, Sydney. He submitted that the contract under which Miss Lee paid Haddleton 25 per cent of her earnings was harsh, unconscionable and contrary to public interest The commission was also contrary to law, which provided for payment of 10 per cent to a theatrical agent. TAX RETURNS

Counsel said Miss Lee’s income tax returns had been prepared by a firm of accountants on verbal information supplied by Haddleton, together with what could be described as diaries. The tax had been paid by Haddleton from Miss Lee’s funds which were held by him.

Mr Gormly said Miss Lee began her show business career in 1964 in Christchurch. Haddleton approached Miss Lee, offered to “manage” her, and she entered into a two-year agreement with a company described as General Artists (N.Z.), Ltd, which she believed was Haddleton’s com-

court was told Miss Lee was unsuccessful in the nightclub circuit and made a number of records for Viking Records (N.Z.), Ltd, one of which was a New Zealand best-seller.

Miss Lee and Haddleton had come to Australia in 1965, said counsel. Haddleton received all money earned by the singer, includ-

ing royalties from her records, presumably took 15 per cent commission, but at no time accounted to her for her earnings.

After a successful tour of Queensland, Haddleton allegedly told Miss Lee that to save tax it would be better for her to pay him 25 per cent commission. “NO RECEIPTS”

Counsel said that while Haddleton war overseas for two months in 1968, Miss Lee banked her own earnings and paid 25 per cent commission to a company known as General Artists (Australia), Ltd, but was given no receipts. On Haddleton’s return the old arrangement continued, with all her eamings being paid to Haddleton. Counsel said Miss Lee went overseas in 1969 and terminated the arrangement with Haddleton about January, 1970. The hearing is proceeding.