UNION RULES

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2257, 17 September 1914, Page 3

UNION RULES

RIGHT OF INTERPRETATION. (By Teleewmh—Preu Asaooifttlon.S Auckland, September 16. . "Has a trade union complete control over the interpretation of its own rules or can those who disagree with its interpretation appeal to tlie Law Courts ?" This important point was raised in the Auckland Supreme Court to-day, w'heh before the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners of New Zealand, and the members of the Auckland District Council, wore defendants to an originating summons under the Declaratory Judgments Act. The action was brought by two members of the union, who asked the Court to decide the validity of the election, of the Auckland Distinct Committee. The question for the interpretation of the Court was whether, members .were entitled to vote who were not more than four weeks in,, arrear vjjitli their contributions, or v/hether' allOroso not more than 52 weeks in arrear could participate in the election- The question was also asked whether the Executive Board of the society was entitled to dccido the validity of the election, and also, whether they had power;to decide who had power to vote. After bearing counsel His Honour reserved his decision.