The Truck Act.

Manawatu Herald, 18 July 1896, Page 3

The Truck Act.

The following case, reported in the Standard, was heard at Palnierston on Thursday and illustrates the working of the Truck Act. A. Smith v. U.F.0.A., claim £1 14s, amount due for wages. The defendant Association filed a set off of £1 143 for goods obtained .by the plaintiff. Mr Innes appeared for the plaintiff and Mr Hankins for the Association. Plaintiff was employed by the U.F.O.A. at £7 per month as driver. Owing to his refusal to do his snare of the stable work, he was dismissd by the manager. There was when he left the employ of the Association the amount claimed due to him as wages, but against this there was an account of £1 14s lid, value of goods and clothing obtained by the plaintiff at a slight advance on cost price, a concession always allowed by the Association to their employees. Mr Hankins, addressing the Bench, stated that this was the first time the Association had been confronted with the iniquitous measures of the Truck Act. They were defending the case on principle and wished it thoroughly ventilated. The plaintiff had taken advantage of the Act to evade payment for the clothes he was wearing and the 'tobacco be had smoked. Mr Hankins expressed a wish that the efforts which were being made to amend the clauses of the Aot would be successful. Evidence wa3 heard and Hi? Worship in giving judgment stated it was quite apparent that the plaintiff had disobeyed the lawful orders of his superior in not attending to his stable work and he would give judgment for the defendants. With reference to the counter claim, although he disapproved of the plaintiff's conduct, he could do nothing else bub give him the benefit of the Truck Act.