WAS IT A STRIKE?

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 11, 13 July 1922, Page 5

WAS IT A STRIKE?

CASE AGAINST HASTINGS FREEZING WORKERS.

(»I TILIGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOUITIO*.)

•'■'•' •;■' ; HASTINGS, 12th July. Considerable interest was taken in proceedings against . twelve—four from each of the Hastings works—freezing employees: for being parties to a strike regarding the 5s cut. In the case of five of the defendants, Mr- P- JO'Regan claimed that the employers gave notice of a reduction of wages by posting a notice up at their works, and the men declined to accept the terms under what was a new contract. The men continned to work up to the end of the old contract, which the employers terminated in the notice, and the men were entitled to decide whether to enter into a new contract or not. The men, he contended, did not strike. '

The Magistrate (Mr. I>wyer) said that in view of the fact that the cases were of Dominion- interest it would be better to get a final decision, so he would state a case for the Arbitration Court.

In the case of the remainder of the defendants, Mr. O'Regan admitted that they were parties to a strike "under palliating circumstances." The Magistrate said 'he did not propose to give judgment for the £10 claimed, but the cases called for more than a nominal penalty. Judgment was entered against each defendant for £5 and costs.