MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 200, 21 February 1912, Page 4

MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

GLAIM* FOR WAG}ES. In the Magistrate's Court yesterday, before Mr. A. Crooke, S.M., Arthur William Cowling brought an action ag*inst the bankrupt estate of A. C. Vincent for, the recovery of £l9 Is undeu the Wages Protection and Contractors Act. Plaintiff, who is a laborer, living at. Omata, was represented by Mr. A. K. Standjsh. In his evidence he said he was' working on a contract at Timarii (Tara-< naki) in June last for A. C. Vincent. His wages amounted to 30s a day. Subsequently he went to work on a contract at Stony River for the same man. This made up the claim of £l9. He made a demand on Vincent for wages, and it was not disputed. Cross-examined by Mr. A. H. Johnstone, who conducted the defence, Cowling said he got 30s a day for himself and his team of korses. In making up his claim tie charged at the rate of 30s per day of eight fiours, making a corresponding reduction when worked less. ■■ This worked out at 3s 9d an hour, and of that amount his own wages were worth Is (3d per hour. On one occasion his demand for wages was met by Vincent giving him a cheque for £2O in part payment, which, however, was. dishonored. The amount of the balance had never' been settled. He had made no demand by letter. Mr. Johnstone asked the court to take bote that the claim for actual wages, really amounted to only Is 6d per hour, the balance being represented by hire of the team. Owing- to the absente of Vincent further hearing of the caae was adjourned' till Tuesday next.