JUDGE QUOTES OLD PROVERB IN CHINESE CASE OVER LOANS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18380, 4 February 1928, Page 5

JUDGE QUOTES OLD PROVERB IN CHINESE CASE OVER LOANS.

LONDON, December 10. Mr Frank Wong, of Doncaster, and Mr On Lee, of Leicester, both Chinamen and both laundry proprietors, were litigants in Mr Justice M'Cardie's Court yesterday. Mr Lee sought to recover £l7l 10s from Mr Wong, £156 in respect of a share in a Chinese money club and the remainder in respect of loans. Wong signed an agreement to pay, but submitted he did so under duress. The Lottery Act had also been pleaded as a defence, but this was withdrawn, whereupon the judge, who is a bachelor, observed: — “All life is & lottery; no Act touches the greatest lottery of all.” It is alleged, said Mr Eddy, for plaintiff, that Lee had said that if Wong did not sign the agreement he would “make it unsafe” for him, and would inform the various Chinese in England, who have secret commmunications with each other, and would influence them to ostracise and boycott Wong. Lee denies this. Terraces of Night. Lee was cross-examined by Mr Farleigh, who asked: Did you say that you would make it unsafe for the defendant if he did not sign the agreement to repay?—Witness answered. No. Mr Farleigh: Do you know what the word “unsafe” means in English?—No. Mr Justice M’Cardie: Ask him if he understands what “dangerous” means. Witness: In Chinese. Mr Justice M'Cardie: There is a Chinese phrase which says: “Beware of the hidden peril.” Ask if he knows it. Witness answered yes. Ktr Justice M’Cardie: Threats are put in Chinese so delicately. If you threaten a man with death you don't use the word death, you say “I desire to tell you that ere long you will sleep on the terraces of night.” (Laughter). Another Chinese witness took the oath Chinese fashion by blowing out a candle and repeating “If I do not speak the truth, as this candle is blown out, may I be blown out likewise.” The judge held there was no evidence of threats, and found for Mr On Lee.