ACTION FOR WAGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17258, 6 September 1919, Page 8

ACTION FOR WAGES.

CLAIM BY A MAORI. COURT RESERVES JUDGMENT. [BY TEJjEGRAPH.—OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Friday. At the Supreme Court to-day, before Mr. Justice Cooper, Te Nga Roa, a Ngutunui fanner (Mr. Skelton),. sued Matere Omipi (Mr. Finlay) for £780 for wages allegedly due. Plaintiff stated that he was a close connection of the late Mere Gray. In 1905, when he was 20 years of age, ho was living with his people at Moerangi, ana Mere Gray offered him employment on her farm at Awaroa. He agreed and went. During the 14 years he was on the property he was in charge. No arrangement had ever been made as to wages. Mere Gray provided him with a home, clothes, tobacco, etc., and told him that she was going to make provision for him in her will, but she did not do so. He was always treated as a son and was never paid any wages. After the death of Mere Gray, who died intestate, he worked for Matere Omipi, who had been appointed administratrix of the estate and was paid for these services.

Mr. Finlay, for the defence, did not call evidence, but submitted authorities in support of his contention that there was no contract that plaintiff should receive remuneration, but that he had worked in the hope of receiving remuneration under the will.

Mr. Skelton contended that there was an implied contract to remunerate plaintiff v

Judgment was reserved.