CLAIM FOR SUNDAY WORK.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 18 March 1937, Page 6

CLAIM FOR SUNDAY WORK.

CASE OF INTEREST IN MININGINDUSTRY, i (By Telegraph—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, .Last Night. An unprecedented mining wages claim of considerable interest, in -which the Rinm Flat Gold Dredging Company were the defendants, represented by Mr. H. F. O'Leary, K.C> of Wellington, was heard in the Warden's Court at Hokitika to-day by Mr. Raymond Ferner, S.M., when Charles McLean, a dredge employee, represented by Mr. P. J. O 'Regan, of Wellington, claimed £i)4 3.35, allegedly due as wages for Sunday work over a period of six years. McLean claimed under Section 26-6 of the Mining Act that he was entitled to time and a-half for Sundays. The case was a test case, as 36 other employers are in a similar position.

Mr. O 'Regan said he did not know till recent conciliation proceedings that they were entitled to time and a-half on Sundays. Mr. O'Leary called evidence by Mr. "W. J. Radford, general manager of the company, who claimed that the wages paid to March 31, 1934, were at a higher rate, thus compensating for Sundays, and that the £2O per month paid since included Sundays. Mr. Perner reserved his decision.