A LABOR EXPLANATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2299, 18 September 1908, Page 2

A LABOR EXPLANATION.

THE CASE OF THE WAIROA BUTCHER. [Press Association.] WELLINGTON, iSept. 17. In reference to the prosecution of a \\ airoa butcher for -a breach of award at the sitting of the Arbitration Count at Napier, on what was termed a trivial charge, Mr. A. 11. H. Cooper, secretary of the Butchers’ Union, says the employee swore, and the employer admitted on oath, that the man did not merely turn the handle of the sausage machine occasionally, but also mixed the material for tlie sausages, made mince, served in the shop, and served hotels and a few customers with orders. “Anyone who knows anything about tlie trade knows that a man performing tlie above duties is properly classed as a ‘general hand,’ and the" Count admitted this by reason of its conviction of the employer for a breach of tlie award. The fact, however, of the employer having been put to the expense of £lO to enable him to attend the Court seems to have influenced the Court in its decision not to impose n. fine, thinking, I suppose, that- he had been sufficiently punished. Now, in reference to the amount .it cost this employer to attend the Court, I would point out that the man received 7s per week less than he- was entitled to under, the award for a period of 2G weeks, or a total of £9 2s, and as the man does not intend to claim this sum, hiving found employment in another part of the Dominion, it will be seen -at once that the actual cost to the employer will be 18s, -instead of £lO. I desire to sav, -in conclusion, 'that the case was thoroughly gone into by the Pena rtment before action was taken, and the employer was given an opportunity to settle it out of Court by payment of the back wages, so that it can’t be said that any attempt was made, either by the union or the Denartment, to harass or -unduly punish him.”