VICTIMISATION ALLEGED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18557, 2 May 1930, Page 13

VICTIMISATION ALLEGED.

WATERSIDER CLAIMS DAMAGES fkUM UinavjN. By Telegraph—Preea AwociatiouAUCKLAND. May 1. Allegations that he had been victimised by the itucKland Watersiders' Union were maae by T nomas Moylan, otherwise known Known as Thomas Miles, who in the Supreme Court sued tne Union and Rooert Irvine, the Union's walking delegate, for damages at tne rate of .£0 weekly since March 23, 1929, and £SOO in addition. Moylan alleged that practically daily the Union had refused to permit any employer to engage him. The Union and Irvine completely denied the allegations. In evidence, Captain Anderson, wharf superintendent for the Union Co., said ne telephoned Irvine several times, saying he was going to engage Moylan. His reply was: “If you do the ship will be stuck up." Witness said he had reason to believe Irvine was inciting the men. Pressed to give a reason, witness said he preferred not to, as it might affect his relations witn the Union. Mr Justice Smith: It is a most astounding suggestion that the Union can damage Captain Anderson. Witness: I am positive of it. They | can give me a go-slow policy times ' out of number. I did not come here of my own free will. Instructed by the Judge to answer. I witness said Irvine had spoken of Miles 1 as a "pimp to the police.” Other witnesses gave evidence for plaintiff. Mr O’Regan, for the defence said the beginning of the unfortunate position in which Miles found himself was a letter written by him last March. As a result, Miles became very unpopular with his fellow workers. Irvine tried to quieten the men and to get Miles to come along and give an explanation to the Union officials, but he refused to do so until very late in the case. The rank and file of the Union did not accept Miles's explanation that he did not write the letter, and then the officials could not induce them to work with him. The officials could not be held responsible for the position. After some evidence for the Union, had been heard the rase was adjourned.