THE UNION COMPANY AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13543, 16 March 1906, Page 5

THE UNION COMPANY AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

PROCEEDINGS TN THE ARBITRATION COURT.

(Fkou Our Owv Cokjesposdf.kt.) WELLINGTON. March 15. Proceedings in the Arbitration Court this morning were somewhat more lively than usual. Mr .T. ]T. Kirby (representing the Union Steam Ship Company) and Mr W. •Jones (who appeared for "the Federated Cooks amU Stewards' Union of Now Zealand) wore disputing regarding tho status of a man on tho s.s. Mapourika. Mr Jones argued that the employee was a third cook, and Mr Kirby contended that the worker was a scuHcryman. Mr Justice' Chapman, Mr S. Brown, and Mr R. Slater were on tho bench. After hearing lengthy argument bis Honor asked whether matters of this kind could not be settled by a joint committee. " Wouldn't it have been better," be asked "if there had been provision for that in (he sward?" Mr Kirby replied that the Union Company was charged' with breaches of an award, and denied that it had committed any breach. Ho complained that the company" had not received notice of these oasis until 14- days before tho case, were to be called. Mr Jones, describing his difficulty in securing witnesses, asserted that the Union Company had a floppy knack of shifting men around. They were liable to 2+ hours' notice. He blamed tho company for his inability to get certain membera of its crews as witnesses. "That is not true," replied JJr Kirby. "I make the statement," retorted Mr Jones. Later he said that the company had "got a man away to tho Islands" when it knew that ho was wonted at court. The allegation was indignantly denied by Mr Kirby. Mr Brown said ho thought that the bulk of these disputes could bo adjusted by a joint committee. "We don't hear of these eases in connection with the Seamen's Union," com. mentcd his Honor. "The seamen have more backbone," answered Mr Jones. " The other men won't open their mouths. The seamen won't, allow a thing to come to a breach: t-hov settle it rifrht. away." "This court is reldom occupied with teamen's eases." said his Honor. Mr Kirby remarked that he was always willing to talk things over with the seamen, and if he found that they hnd a case bo had the matter rectified ridit awav. Mr Joikg submitted that it was no fault of his that the eases had not been settled by " talk " outside the court. II" bad endeavoured to settle these matters with Mr Kennedy personally, and had been told to put the argument's in writing. He had "sheaves of correspondence." Mr Turin-: "Yes. in four esses." Mr Jones: "In 54 core*;." Coniiruing. bo stated that he had sent life communications direct to the manager of the Union Cnnwriiiv. and had nothing to do with Mr Kirby. Mr Brown suggested that M'' Jones explain more in five minutes' chat than he would write in a day, and Mr Jeirs again announced that the writing method hnd not been his choice.