ANZAC DAY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18972, 25 March 1924, Page 5

ANZAC DAY.

WORKERS CLAIM WAGES A TEST CASE. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, March 24. Six claims for the payment of wages for Anzac Day 1922 and 1923, were set down for hearing at the Magistrate’s Court to-day, and one was proceeded with as a test case, the plaintiffs being employees of the Sugar Refining Works Company, and the defendant the latter company. Mr Cutten S.M., reserved decision. The facts were not disputed. Plaintiffs did not work on Anzac Day, but one day’s pay was substracted from their weekly wages in both years. Mr Tuck, for the plaintiffs, stated that the Statute of 1920 made Anzac Day a public holiday, and the statute of 1922 prescribed that it should be observed in all respects as a Sunday. The defence briefly was that Anzac Day was not mentioned in the award as a recognised holiday. Mr Richmond, for the defence, stated that the works were closed down on Anzac Day and the workers were employed with the exception of watchmen, who were not covered by the award. It is stated that over 22 employees will be affected by the decision. Mr Richmond intimated that in the event of an appeal it would be made to the Supreme Court direct and not the Arbitration Court.