Receptionist did not give man 'fair’ go

Press, 23 March 1988, Page 26

Receptionist did not give man 'fair’ go

A man who had to wait 11/ 2 hours to see an interviewing officer at the Department of Social Welfare could, not be blamed for losing his temper, Judge Anderson told the District Court yesterday. Maurice Poirangi Riritahi, aged 31, unemployed, was discharged without conviction on a charge of assaulting a receptionist at the department, Mrs Whera Douglas. In her evidence, Mrs Douglas said that the defendant had arrived at the department at 12.45 p.m. on October 30 and filled out an application form for the unemployment benefit. He then waited to see an interviewing officer. Mrs Douglas said that Riritahi did not respond when his name was called and had become upset after he had to wait iy 2 hours. She said that the nor-

mal procedure was for an interviewing officer to take the applicants in the order their slip was received, but in this instance they took two other slips which had come after the defendant’s. “Mr Riritahi. ran out. He came back] in) and started throwing 1 stuff around.” •' i The defendant had thrown two boxes containing information I pamphlets, a pot plant, and a chair, Mrs Douglas said. ! She added that the chair had appeared to|be aimed directly at herself. She had put up her hand to protect her head, and the chair had struck her wrist, causing bruising and swelling. . | • Defence counsel for . Riritahi produceci a medical certificate stating that he was deaf in | one ear. Riritahi said this was probably why he may [not have i heard his name

[being called in the; first instance. i He had ' seen other people that arrived in the office after himself seeing [the interviewing officers, [and had approached the [receptionist twice to find [out why his i turn! was [taking so long. : “I was beginning to get 'suspicious. I thought they [were having me on.” The defendant admitted [throwing the chain and other objects, but said he [was not trying to hit any--[body. : i [ I ,i Judge Anderson) said that he was satisfied Riri-j i tahi had taken his langer [out on the staff. [ However, [he believed i the officers had been negilectful by not following : the usual procedure, and delaying the defendant’s ■ interview, i : ’i " I “Even allowing for the [ officer being under pressure, it seems to me that the defendant did not get ! a fair go.” I ! ..