LABOR UNION CASE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 139, 14 June 1913, Page 5

LABOR UNION CASE.

MEMBERS SUE THE SECRE-

TARY

JUDGMENT AGAINST THE

UNION

[Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 13. Mr Justice Edwards delivered iudgment in a case brought against the Auckland Waterside Union by two members, who alleged that union officials had, by intimidation, prevented them from obtaining employment on the waterfront. Plaintiffs were Joel Smith and David Miller, and the defendant was James Collett, secretary of the

union. ' _ _„„ Plaintiffs claimed £200 and £250 wages respectively, and asked for an injunction against the union, which was not incorporated or registered under any law. His Honor said that plaintiffs / were ■employed on the Maheno. Because eleven of the chosen gang failed to turn up certain members of the. union took exception to the extra industry shown by plaintiffs, and at a meeting, in iha absence of plaintiffs and without evidence, fined Smith and Mliler the amount earned, by them on. the Maheno. Such a proceeding was void, as being contrary to natural justice. The evidence was held to prove that both plaintiffs had been excluded from the watersiders' waiting-room and regarded as non-unionists. They were unable to get employment as watersiders. His Honor found that the union, without any color of right .or authority, had penalised plaintitts. Miller's damages would be £55, ancl Smith's, whose case was more serious, £80. .