Labour Unions and the Law.

Manawatu Herald, 20 July 1893, Page 2

Labour Unions and the Law.

An important question relating to the status at labour unions was raised on Tuesday in the House by Mr W. Hutchison, who asked the Hon. W. P. Beeves if his attention had been drawn to the decision of Judge Ward in the case of James Houston in the Supreme Court of Bankruptcy at Dunedin. Houston filed on account of a judgment summons taken out against him by Tapper & Go. A report sent by the Judge shows that the man had an offer of employment from Tapper & Co at 8s a day, but objected that it was outdoor work, and then said he belonged to a union whose rate of wages was 10s a . day, and that he could not accept less. The Judge therefore refused his discharge, but referred the matter to Judge Williams, and the case has been in the meantime adjourned for three months, Mr Beeves, replying to Mr Hutchison, said that as a member of the House he was surprised at the line of reasoning laid down by the Judge, and did not agree with it ; but at the same time, as Minister of Justice, he saw nothing that would lead him to interfere in the matter. The Judge, whether right or wrong — he thought he was wrong — had exercised his judicial discretion — N.Z. Timef.