THRESHING MILL WORKERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2132, 15 July 1907, Page 3

THRESHING MILL WORKERS.

A QUESTION OK EMPLOYMENT. Pross Association. BLENHEIM. Saturday. An arbitration case of importance in all agricultural districts of the colony has been hoard at Blenheim. Golf, a threshing .machine hand, mot with an accident, resulting in the loss of ono eye. Ho claimed £2OO compensation from David Bishell, owner of the machine. Bishell, who was covored by tho Ocean Accident Insurance Corporation, contested the matter, holding that he was not. the man’s employer, but the farmer was. Evidonco as to custom showed tho engine-driver and feeder wore the only men paid by the machine owner out of the contract prico for threshing. The other men were paid a lump sum for wages by the farmer, according to tho time worked, ono of their number acting as paymaster and time-recorder. The farmer also found tho men food and lodging also coal for tho engine. Mr. Sc.ottSmith, S.M., found on tho main question that tho machiuo owner was the employer, as the gang followed the mill throughout the season and took orders from the owner only. A mutual settlement was arrived at. The decision will have tho effect of forcing tho machine owners to include in the contract for the threshing price all machine hands’ wages. This is the first case of tho kind heard in the colony.