WELLINGTON MERCHANTS

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 12 July 1912, Page 5

WELLINGTON MERCHANTS

COMMISSION REFUSES TO HEAR

COUNSEL

Mr C. P. Skerrett, K.C., appeared before the Cost of Living Commission in Wellington, and said that Mr J. G. W. Aitken had desired him to make a statement on his behalf to the Commission, so that he might not exhibit any personal discourtesy to any member of the Commission.

Mr Tregear: The Commission is not prepared to hear any statement from Mr Aitken if you appear as his counsel. He declines to appear himself Mr Skerrett: I have not said so at present. I apprehend that it is perfectly fair that I should be allowed to make any statement. I do not wish to dispute your ruling, but I desire to protest against mv being prevented from explaining why Mr Aitken and other witnesses should not be called on to give evidence. °

Mr Fairbairn protested against this explanation. If Mr Aitken were prepared to give evidence on his own account they would be pleased to hear him.

Mr Skerrett: I am addressing myself to the chairman of this Commission, whom I must regard as the mouthpiece of the Commission. If the chairman says he cannot hear smy statement from me I must agree to his ruling. Mr Tregear: I will not hear any explanation from ynn.

Mr Skerrett: All I desire to add is to very resoectfolly enter my protest against the action of the Commission in refusing to heai- nnv explanation. Mr Trine, who is solicitor for +he New Zenland Merchants' Association, and Mr Gold, who is secretary, design +o join with me and concur in respectfully protesting to the Commission.