UNFAIR SAYS MAGISTRATE

Chronicle (Levin), 9 December 1946, Page 4

UNFAIR SAYS MAGISTRATE

SONWORKS FOR FATHER CLAIMS NOT PAID WAGES A statement that he assisted his father in the daily .milking pf 60 cows, besides general farm labouring, yet did not receive a weekly wage for this' work, was made by a youth of 17 when he appeared ih the Magistrate's Court, Levin, on Friday, charged with failing to pay a substantial account after having been ordered at a previous sitting Of the court to do so. Defendant stated in evidence that he was given his board free of charge, but received no other payment for his labour. He admitted, however, .receiving money for occasional work for other employers., outside of these actiyities. '.'If young men like these are not treated fairly in this respect they are likely to become resentful," was the comment of Mr. A.. M. Goulding, S.M., when reviewihg the case. "They must be helped along by their parents, and should be paid what the average young man of his age is qntitled to." Mr. Goulding said he did not know the award governing sucri work affected parents and children, but considered that the work of the youth in question was of sonle value to his father, and that he should be paid accordingly. "Are you sure there is no agree--ment between 'you and your father?" questioned the magistrate. Witness: I get my board, Sir. Mr. Goulding said he did not consider that fair. A wage should be paid or some other agreement .reached. On being informed that the father was in court, Mr. Goulding asked that he be brought forward. "You are not in the witness stand," he said, when addressing the father, "but I cannot believe that what your son says is the truth." "However, he must pay this debt." He made an order that the youth pay the account off in weekly instalments.