Workman's Wages.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 135, 13 May 1885, Page 3

Workman's Wages.

The Clnistr.-huroh T<k graph of M»y 2«;iys:— A very important case to the public — the first which has arisen under the Workman'* Wages Act 188-i — was before his Honor Mr Justice Johnston yesterday, |ut Chambers. Shortly .stated it was as follows: - A contractor entered into a contract witli tho V! other Superior of the convent at At>hhm ton to build a school connected therewith. On the strength of such contract lie obtained ai supply of timber ftom the agent of u timbermerchant in luvercargill. The wages of the -men in his employ had, duriug the continuance of the contract, got into arreiir. Subsequently the contractor assigned his right to money accruing due on the contract to thu timber merchant, notice of which was given to the L:tdy Superior on the sth of the month.' On the 12th the workmen, under the provisions of the Act, obtained orders as against the moneys of the contractor, I'iom the K. M. uc Ashburton. The timbei merchant, howA«cr, set up his assignment, and claimed the residue of contract moneys remaining in the hands of the J.ady Superior on account of the contract. She pair! the money into tho Supreme Court to await its decision. It whs contended by Mr , Harper, on the argument, that hi* assignment 'overruled the claims of the men, inasmuch us at the time they took action undei' th« Act as against the contractor, there was no fun«ls belonging to him in the i'laud* of tin- Lady Superior, the legal estate i herein having passed to Iks assignee, Mr Holmes, un the other hand, contended that clause 14 of. the Wnrkimin'" Wages Act, 1884, gave, absolute prioiicy to workman's wajjtv, ove' 1 ail others. That clause is us follows :— •• The wages that may be. outstanding mi any ooutrart or undertaking "hall be! h lir.st charge on any inmny in the. haiuls of the imiiirn'utor which l.a-> uccnied i>r may, accrue, and beuoino dueto the on. tractor on account of such c<»i»tnict or undertaking." His .honor upheld this contention, and made, an order for th« cayment of tiie nu>ney to the workmen.