“CHUCKING OUT”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 31, 29 April 1927, Page 7

“CHUCKING OUT”

SEAMEN’S UNION WAYS CLAIM FOR DAMAGES Press Association WELLINGTON. To-day. In the case of James Brennan v. F. P. Walsh, F. New field and the Wellington Federated Seamen’s Union (a claim for damages on the ground that plaintiff had been kept cut of work by threats against his prospective employers), Mr. E. P. Hay (for defendants) sought to show that the organisation which had the agreement with the shipowners and which was entitled to preference was the same as the defendants’ organisation. He applied for a nor.-suit. This was refused, tie magistrate, Mr. J. H. Salmon, holding that there was a case to answer. The first witness for the defence was William Jeffreys, a fireman, who was on the Raimai when the present trouble arose. One man. the boatswain, belonged to Young s union, be said, and all the others were members of the old union—“ Felix’s union.” he explained, when counsel asked what he meant by the “old union.” "We firemen decided we would not sail with Brennan unless he changed his number,” continued witness. Mr. Hay: Did either Newfield or Walsh tell you not to sail with Brennan? Witness: Oh, no. they do what we tell them to. (.Laughter.) Young would not do what we told him to. so we “chucked” him out. (Renewed laughter.) Mr. Hoggard: You say some of your friends “chucked” Young out? Witness: Yes. They had my consent. (Laughter.) The Magistrate: Has this sort of thing occurred on any ship since? Witness: That was the only ship I ; have been on where it has happened. Peter Michael Butler, another fireman, gave evidence of a stop-work meeting in March, at which action to get Mr. Young’s men out of the ship was suggested. • No vote was taken, the chairman pointing out that Mr. Young’s men were transferring daily to the other union and that it would be preefrable to act constitutionally. Newfield made similar remarks. The case was adjourned.