MEN GAIN WAGES CLAIM IN COURT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17830, 26 April 1926, Page 5

MEN GAIN WAGES CLAIM IN COURT.

FREIGHT OF GUY C. GOSS RELEASED FROM ARREST. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 26. Judgment was given in the Supreme Court in a case brought by the consignees of cargo as plaintiffs against the captain and crew of the American barque Guy C. Ross, which recently was arrested for debt, the final stage being the hearing of a claim for wages. Mr Justice Herdman said that the case for the seamen had been proved. They were entitled to their claim for wages amounting to £661 16s .3d and iudgment would be given in their favour for £750 3s 9d, with costs. If the freight had not been paid, the captain and crew would be entitled to her cargo and freight, but the onus of proving that freight had not been prepaid fell on the men. In this case they had not discharged that responsibility. The consignees had agreed to remove all the cargo here and the claim against the ship must succeed. The ship eoulcfr be sold and he would order that the cargo be released from arrest. Sir John Findlay said he would withdraw the consignees' writ of arrest. The present position is that the ship is still under arrest under writ to the master and seamen, and the Harbour Board. Now that the cargo has been released an effort will be made to sell the vessel.