AM IMPORTANT DECISION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12881, 1 May 1913, Page 3

AM IMPORTANT DECISION.

OF INTEREST TO SEAMEN

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 30. A test case, brought in the interests of the coastal seamen, was decided by Afi- Justice Sim to-day, it being an appeal from the_ decision of the Magis•trato's Court in resnect to a claim by a seaman for 3s for overtime agmhist the Northern Steamship Company". The Stipendiary Magistrate* ruled th'nt the workers' tinio undor an .agreement ran on continuously until ha worked tho required eight hours, and that of any work. doiu> by him aftsr the expiry of eight hours mast be 'miid for r's evertime. • ■

Judge Sim said the decision depended on- tho prop or construction of clause 12a of-the agreement between the Soaaion'.'j Union of Australia and certain -^■hip-owners. In this oninicn tV.v onh way full effect could be given to th'o t-laii':e was by taking rill time worked in the s:ca. v.ateh',-; on .-.my particuhn v.hich thr.re had been work in a port, and counting it ?. s part of tho e.:ght hours, without any regard to tho jkiiliicular hours when those vr.atchc? wtro kept, or how they stnod in rc]'H::):n to the-v.-crk in port that dov. -Tho appeal was allowed, ,und iuilgmynt wa, entered for tho unpolhuit f.;r 3s and costs. The Judge * added that, rr, the rjueslian was an important 'one. the respondent hnd leave to appeal il hs desired to do so.