Irritation Tactics During Shipping Dispute

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 134, 10 June 1935, Page 9

Irritation Tactics During Shipping Dispute

.REFERENCES IN SUPREME COURT Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Some pointed questions as to the object of irritation tactics allegedly recommonded to union members by the joint executive council of tho Seamen’s and Cooks’ and Stewards’ Unions in connection with tho shipping dispute last year were asked by tho Chief Justice in tho Supremo Court to-day. His Honour’s questions arose during the continued hearing of a caso in which Douglas Gibson, a seaman, is proceeding against the Wellington Federated Seamen’s Industrial Union of Workors claiming an injunction restraining the union from excluding him from membership, and £IOO as damages for the loss of wages. Two more witnesses for plaintifl. were called when the hearing was resumed this morning, after which a start was made with tho defence.

His Honour pointed out that the union had to justify plaintiff’s expuleion upon tho ground that he was acting contrary to a lawful decision, and if the union’s actions were unlawful, then plaintiff might well bo entitled to recover, even though the alteration he wanted put into operation was an illegal course.

Counsel for the union submitted that the issue involved was entirely whether the union was to continue as a constitutional and disciplined body or whether its decisions were to bo overridden by a majority who were resolved upon disruptive tactics. Nothing unlawful was intended by the council's proposals, he said.