FLUTTER IN ARBITRATION COURT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18659, 30 August 1930, Page 7

FLUTTER IN ARBITRATION COURT.

QUESTIONS TERMED OFFENSIVE. ASSESSORS AT VARIANCE. By Telegraph—Pres* Association WELLINGTON. August 29. Questions put to a witness in the Arbitration Court by Mr A. L. Mon- j teith, employees’ representative, led to a rather strained atmosphere. Mr Monteith was engaged in asking the witness for an expression of opinion, when from the other side of the Bench, by Mr W. Cecil Prime, employers’ representative, he was told i that the questioning was offensive. This Mr Monteith denied. “It is a remarkable position,” he said, “and I should like to say so publicly, that j when in this Court we have listened to an economic treatise from witness, and the employers wish to prevent me from asking some practical questions on the same subject.” His Honour, Mr Justice Frazer, intervened that the witness had been giving the retail drapers’ viewpoint on the wage question. Mr W. Croskery, who was appearing for the employees, asked witness whether 10/- a week was an equitable wage for a girl of 15. The witness replied that it seemed reasonable to him, having regard to the girl’s knowledge. ••Do you seriously suggest that you consider 10/- a week sufficient to keep a girl of 15?” asked Mr Monteith. Further questions and further replies brought the witness to a stage 'Where he seemed to assent to the proposition that 10/- a week would supply a girl with food and clothing. said Mr Monteith, “I’m a married man with nine children, much older and more experienced than you, and yet you suggest that a girl of 15 can be kept on 10/- a week. It does not’ matter whether she pays it, or her , parents pay it. I am not joking; it is . a perfectly serious question. Remembering you are on oath, do you really | want me to understand that you believe that a child can be kept for 10/a week? You are on oath, you know.” “Don’t put the question offensively,” said Mr Prime. “I am not being offensive,” said Mr Monteith, “and I will not have you saying I am.” ' “It was offensive.” said Mr Prime. L “It was not offensive,” replied Mr > Monteith. “I never want to be of- ; fensive to a witness. I just want to 5 make sure that he realises he is on [ oath.” : ! “He knows that,” said Mr Prime. 7 j Two protests were made by Mr T. 1 j O. Bishop against the questioning, i When Mr Monteith put a subsequent \ question, Mr Bishop said he would, with great respect, advise the witness not to answer tne question just put, or any of a similar nature. Mr Justice Frazer calmed the troubled waters by taking the question and answer as originally given, by the witness in the examination.