CAUTION TO SERVANTS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 776, 2 March 1877, Page 3

CAUTION TO SERVANTS.

It is not at all an uncommon occurrerco for persons who agree to take situations through labor marts to fail to keep their engagements, and it often happens that tho parties whom they agreed to serve are put to great inconvenience thereby. A case of the kind -was brought before tho District Court on Monday. Mr S. G. Staughfon, of Melton, squatter, being tho complainant, and David Cooper the defendant. Mr Godfrey', who appeared for the complainant, stated that the information was laid under the 11th section of the Masters and Servants Act, which awarded imprisonment for tho offence if it were proved. Evidence was then given that the defendant had engaged at Mrs Brown’s registry office to serve Mr Stanghton as a cook, hut had not gone to to tho station as he agreed to do to commence his duties, and that in consequence thereof the complainant had been put to loss and a good deal of inconvenience, because there was no cook at the station. Defendant did not deny the charge, hut expressed his regret for having acted as he had done, and said ho would be willing to esny his contract out at once if that could bo agreed upon. Mr Stanghton informed tho Bench that the contract could not be carried out, as he had engaged a cook to fill tho place the defendant agreed to take. Mr Cali then said the Bench would bo obliged to award imprisonment, but they would make it as light as they could. They would, however, award costs as a money punishment, and if those were not paid there would be a prolonged term of imprisonment. The defendant was then sentenced to imprisonment for 24 hours, and ordered to pay L 4 4s costs, or co to gaol for a further term of 14 days.—Melbourne Argus.