OPINION OF JUDGES

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 70, 20 September 1927, Page 9

OPINION OF JUDGES

"I am inclined to think that we arc a nation of spendthrifts, and that we aro'going to be pulled up by a heavy reckoning- very soon," said Chief Justice Dothridge, in the Commonwealth Arbitration Court last week, during the hoaring before tho Full Court of the Federated Agricultural Implement Machinery and Ironworkers' Association claim for a 44-hour week.

The Chief Judge's remark was prompted by Dr. Ellis, who appeared for H. V. M'Jlay Pty., Ltd., referring to Australia's unfavourable trade balance when he was arguing that tho progress of secondary industry in Australia had not been accompanied by a declino in imports, as a result of tho increased activity.

Dr. Ellis went on to say that the Court was entrusted with the very heavy task of keoping tho country on the rails, as far as it could, and that a 48-hour week was nearer the rails than a 44-hour week.

Chief Judge Dothridge: "That is all right, but can we put tho upper and middle classes on the rails? Some sound judges say that the most healthy thing for this country would be a ten years' drought."

Judge Beeby: "I can't quite accept tho theory regarding extravagance. The masses of figures show that tho standard of living of the Australia worker, on monetary values, has increased between 8 per cent, and 10 per cent, in the last 20 years." Chief Judge Dethridge: "But I am dealing with his mode of expenditure. I am much afraid that the motor-car has a good deal to do with it."

Judge Beeby: "The foreign debt increase argument does, not appeal to me. So long as the capital which we get from abroad is used for expansion and development, it is in an entirely different category from an ordinary national debt."

. Chief Judge Dethridgo: "I suppose that any big industry which is launched does not expect to mako profits for at least a few years."

Dr. Ellis: "No; but your Honour will remember that tho railway figures in tho 44-hour case showed that 'even some of the old established lines wero not paying."

Chief Justice Dethridge: ,"Perhaps that is due to the motor-car again."