ALLEGED WRONGFUL DISMISSAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12064, 28 May 1920, Page 5

ALLEGED WRONGFUL DISMISSAL.

At Marton Court yesterday Wm. Morton sued Horace Wilson for alleged wrongful dismissal. The sum involved was not large. Plaintiff stated he had been engaged as ploughman at £IBO a year, with the expectation of getting £2OB as head ploughman if he suited. In addition he had perquisites—a cow, which meant 14s a week, firewood 7s, a quarter of mutton 10s and house 10s. He contended he bad been made head ploughman a week after starting work. He had two men under him, and considered that he had full control, but the manager of the estate had interfered on one or two occasions. When informed that Mr Wilson was goiup awaj for two or three months, jilaintiff stated he would not take orders from the manager, and was ordered to get off the place as soon as possible. He had bssn given a cheque which he did not think sufficient. Defendant stated thaS Morton had been engaged by his manager but they did not agree. Plaintiff was a very capable man and had asked for a rise which witness said he would consider. He had not been appointed head ploughman. When plaintiff refused to work under the manager witness hnd dismissed him and gave him a month's salary, £ls (plaintiff claimed £l7 6s 8d and also £6 Is 9d difference between wages at £IBO and £208) and allowed him use of the house and perquisites until such time as he eonld get another house, which was a fortnight later. Judgment was given for defendant with costa. The Magistrate contended that under the circumstances plaintiff was not bound to pay £ls and give a house and other perquisites. Plaintiff Jtiad stayed a fortnight in the house and could have stayed a month. Defendant was entitled to dismiss him when he disobeyed orders.