THE ARBITRATION COURT.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12483, 9 March 1909, Page 4

THE ARBITRATION COURT.

[United Press Assooation.] > Westport, March 8. '.-* The Arbitration Court j sat .at Westport to-day and dealt with a number of cases, IhMeLeatt vetsuß U.S.S. Company, claim for £400 compensation on behalf of the son of Robert Turnbull, who died as: the result of injuries by accident on the -Rakanoa, evidence was given that the deceased before death had expressed & wish that all he possessed should go to his sister, whd. was in pOpr circumstances in Greenock; S6dtland; and not to the son, because he had iibt gdt on well with his wife and the son, who was in a brother's charge, and was being well, looked after. Counsel for -the . deceased's son was granted permission to have an examination by commission of the deceased's brother and son in Scotland, and the case was adjourned for six mOrtthßi In an application by the Denniston Coal Miners' Union for an interpretar tion of the award, his Honor ruled that the proceedings were wholly irregular the Union having cancelled its registration and proceedings having been brought by the union instead of by the Inspector, and the case was struck out. Iv another case the Granity Miners' Union v. blieWe'stpOrt ©Oal Company, an appeal was made from Magistrate's judgment in a case brought to recover a penalty of a breach .of : the_7 coal miners' award The Union contended that a firm of drivers who had worked 365 shifts in the year were -entitled to six days' holiday dh full pay. It was showii that the men by arrangements amohgst-themselves, and "without objection from the company,- worked 15, 14, and 13 shifts in successive weeks, taking two shifts in succession one, week in order to get one Sunday off, and -no overtime**-, paid. "The company "took a literal interpretation oi the award that men must work seven days a week consecutively .the whole year. The Court ruled that the clause must be interpreted 'reasonably; and that firemen and engine drivers who had worked. 365 shifts, not neces-* sarily on 365 consecutive ,days, comt within the operation. of the clause. I lu 1 appeal was allowed with costs, £4 _-> .md d.sbuißoinei'its. *■'. - . -- .