Wage Claim Statistician Objects To “Juggling” Allegation

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28906, 28 May 1959, Page 14

Wage Claim Statistician Objects To “Juggling” Allegation

(Aeic Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 27. After confirming, with one or two minor exceptions, the figures Mr F. P. Walsh quoted in his opening address, Mr J. V. T. Baker, the Government Statistician, spent much of the day making notes of questions on the* economic future of New Zealand, when the hearing of the application for a 13.7 per cent, wage increase was continued in the Arbitration Court today. The questions came from the Bench, as well as from both sides of the table. Most of them Mr Baker undertook to answer, If possible, after consulting the department’s ata.

When the hearing began this morning, Mr Baker objected to suggestions, made by Mr Walsh in his submissions yesterday, that the Statistics Department had “juggled” with figures in the Consumers’ price index. Mr Walsh had called Mr Baker as his first witness, to vouch for the accuracy of the figures* in the federation’s claim.

Mr Walsh said yesterday in his submissions to the Court that “the Government, with its expert advisers, then began to look for ways and means of defeating'the wage and salary earners in their natural search for justice.” He had later referred to “the juggling of the index.”

After being sworn, Mr Baker said it had been suggested that his department had connived at juggling figures. “If that was the case I would be unfit to appear here as Government Statistician, or as a witness.” he said.

Mr Justice Tyndall: You are referring to the change in the regime of the consumers* price index which was strongly criticised by Mr Walsh? Mr Baker agreed. He said either the statements were nonsense or his position was untenable.

Mr Walsh said Mr Baker had not been Government Statistician on the occasion referred to. At no time had he or the Federation of Labour made anv accusations against Mr Baker personally.

Mr Baker replied that he was permanent head of the Statistics Department, and Mr Walsh was reflecting on the department. Mr Walsh: When Mr Wood was head of the department, the Minister and I had discussions on the action taken by Mr Wood, for which the Minister accepted full responsibility. His Honour pointed out that the first statement to which Mr Baker took exception referred to “expert advisers.** Expert Advice

Would Mr Baker regard himself as having been one of those “expert advisers” at the time? Mr Baker said he did. Mr Walsh said no reflection on the Government Statistician was intended. If there was a reflection on the department he could not help it. if the department was responsible, through its head, for what it had done.

His Honour: Perhaps, Mr Walsh, you can clear the decks by asking this witness if the first sentence is true. If he says on oath it is not true, we will accept that. Mr Walshc I am not going to ask that question. I am certainly not going to walk into that trap. I have strong views on the matter.

His Honour: It is not a trap, and I would remind you that you must not bandy words with the Court.

Mr Baker agreed to give evidence after protesting against “the reflection on my department”

His Honour said the Court would note his objection. Questions on Index

This afternoon the Court reverted to the subject of the change in the regimen of the consumers’ price index several years ago, by which motoring and beer were included, ‘ Mr J. T. Turnbull, appearing for the Public Service Association, examined * Mr Baker on the method of reviewing* the index. Witness said the revision would be made for technical statistical reasons when it was found that the relative amount spent on various goods and services .had changed. It would not require a Ministerial decision. A statistician would have no reputation among other statisticians of the world if he had attempted to defeat justice with his figures, he said. The reputation of the previous Government Statistician (Mr G. E. F. Wood), in whose time the index was revised, was as high, or higher, than any other in the world.

Answering Mr P. J. Luxford, for the Employers* Federation, Mr Baker said motoring was included in the index because New Zealand was a highly motorised country and motoring was included in other highly motorised countries’ indices.

Once beer and motoring were found to be widespread objects of expenditure, the question was how they could be left out of the index. Mr Baker was still in the box when the Court adjourned till tomorrow morning.