PLUMBERS AT LAW.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 86, 12 April 1911, Page 2

PLUMBERS AT LAW.

James Francis, plumber, of Owen-street, proceeded, against Christopher Jansen, plumber, of Cambridge-terrace, at the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Dr. A. M'Arthur, S.M., to recover the sum of £24 alleged to be owing on account of wages. Mr. V. R. Meredith appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. J. J. M'Grath for defendant. Plaintiff's evidence was to the effect that lie had _ been employed, to manage Jansen's; business while Jansen was absent in /England. The wages were £3 5s per week, and he was to receive 15s per week extra duiing the period of defendant's absence. John Spencer gave corroborative evidence. It was elicited during crossexamination that Francis and Spencer had now left Jansen's employment, and were in business for themselves. Spencer had intimated his intention of leaving before Jansen left New Zealand, and Francis had made up his mind to go about three weeks after Jansen sailed. Defendant stated that no specific ai--rangement had been made, but he would have been willing to pay the extra money to Francis had the business been carried on satisfactorily. During his absence a number of -his customers had left him, and the business had deteriorated. His Worship said that it was quite evident that plaintiff had looked after himself very carefully while the defendant was away, and had also looked after his brother workman, with whom he had since started in business. His Worship believed defendant's story that he would have recompensed plaintiff if the business had been conducted, in a satisfactory manner. Judgment would be for defendant with costs.