ECHOES OF THE STRIKE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIX, Issue 10891, 4 March 1914, Page 5

ECHOES OF THE STRIKE.

■ i ", i i ■ i Hi EMPLOYERS PROSECUTED. Per Press Association.

Wellington, March 8.

Echoes of the strike were heard in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, when several employers were proceeded against for alleged breaches of the award. During the hearing of tbe case it was mentioned that man| employers laboured under the erroneous impression that because the union went on strike the award lapsed. However, tbe award could only be suspended through the Arbitration Court.

The Inspector of Awards sued Lambert, contractor, for £lO penally for a breach of the Drivers Union, in failing to provide seven employees with books in which to enter the hours worked and initial them within 24 hours. He pointed out that defendant had been ill and had been advised by a bush lawyer that he was a generous employer who paid some employees more than the award rate.

Under the circumstances the case was dismissed.

Meyer and Illingworth, builders, were sued for two £lO penalties for employing nonnnionists and failing to notify the secretary of union in writing within 24 hours that a technical breach had been committed. Counsel said that before the firm employed the men they sent them to the foreman to get them admitted as members of the union. The men, who were foreigners, were already members of the Seamen’s Union. The foreman left them at the Union office and the men, fearing they might lose billets, returned and were taken on, the foreman being under the impression that they had become members of the Union. A fine of 10s and os was imposed in each case. Another defendant, charged similarly, was fined 5s and two others of Is each.