A CLAIM FOR SALARY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 13934, 16 December 1905, Page 3

A CLAIM FOR SALARY.

[Pee Peess Association.] WELLINGTON, December Ip. The case of James "D. 'Sievhirright against the “ New Zealand Times” Company was decided td-day., before Air Justice Cooper and , a ,epema.l,> t jury of four. Air Myers appeared for the plaintiff, and Dr Findlay for the defendant. The claim was for *£3l2, being one year’s salary (£416), . lees payments made by the defendant company. In opening his case Air Myers said that his client was employed by the defendant company as editor of the “ New Zealand Mail,” and for some time ’as day editor of the “ New Zealand Times.” Owing to the caprice of a new management his services were dispensed with, three months’ notice being: given. It was stated that there was no question raised as to plaintiff’s ability or steadiness or character, and that the only question to go to the jury was as. towhat was reasonable’ notice to give; to a man occupying the position plaintiff held. In addressing the jury for the defence Dr Findlay contended that it would be unfair to journalism on, both sides (master and man) if it was l&id down that twelve months’ notice was necessary. Mobility marked in a great degree the conditions of life in New Zealand, and it was no true test to set up English conditions as a guide for us.' In summing up, his Honor said that if he could express an opinion, and it seemed to him he was entitled to do so in this case, it did seem jx> him that there' was no evidence on which the jury oould find that plaintiff was entitled to twelve months' notice. Whether he was entitled to more than three months' notice was another matter. The jury, after twelve minutes’ deliberation, . returned a verdict that three ; months’ notice was not sufficient, and \ were of opinion that six months’ notice should have been given. His Honor said be quite agreed with the verdict. Judgment was accordingly entered for plaintiff for an additional £lO4, with costs on the lowest scale.