TROUBLE IN UNION

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21039, 15 February 1940, Page 14

TROUBLE IN UNION

COURT ACTION BEGINS SALARY OF SECRETARY POSSESSION OF BOOKS SOUGHT (By Telegraph.—Press Association) TIMARU, Wednesday A case of some interest commenced in the Timaru Magistrate’s Court today when the Canterbury Builders and General Labourers’ Union and F. Pope and J. Fogarty, trustees of the union, proceeded against J. A. Mackay, demanding possession of the chattels and books belonging to the union, valued at £ls, and general damages £5. Mr K. Archer appeared for the plaintiffs and Mr W. Campbell for the defendants. After legal argument it was agreed to add A. Moore, R. Murray, O. J. McKee and A. Williams as defendants, but only as individuals and not as members of the Timaru branch executive.

Outlining the case Mr Archer said that prior to October 16, 1939, Mackay was a salaried officer in the union and secretary of the Timaru branch. On October 16 Mackay’s services were terminated as a salaried officer. Mackay at the outset was engaged on a basis of 50 per cent of the moneys collected. In September, 1938, the union executive altered the conditions of the payment of membership fees and raised the sum payable.

Shortly after the executive readjusted Mackey’s remuneration to £6 weekly. However, Mackay ignored this and continued to draw 50 per cent of the fees collected. At the annual meeting of the Timaru branch in July, 1939, it was disclosed that Mackey was continuing to draw 50 per cent, but not until July or August, when the books were presented for audit, was the amount disclosed. It was then found he had drawn for the year £650 3s, which was equal to £l3 a week, instead of £6. He also drew £ll2 travelling expenses. Mr Archer also detailed correspondence between the union and the branch demanding the handing over of the chattels.

Mabel Howard, secretary of the ! central executive was in the box just ; on four hours giving evidence along the lines of Mr Archer’s statement. Plaintiff’s case was not concluded. The case was adjourned until February 27. ' = —■