"COMMON COURTESY."

Waipa Post, Volume XXI, Issue 1301, 7 October 1922, Page 4

"COMMON COURTESY."

JUDGE AM) UNION ADVOCATE. ARBITRATION COURT INCIDENTS. There was a sharp passage between His Honour Mr Justice Frazer and Mr A. L. Monteith, one of the union advocates, in the Court of Arbitration on Thursday. Mr Monteith was cross examining Mr G. H. Bannister, manager of the wool department of Messrs Murray, Roberts and Co., and suggested to the witness that, as there had been no subsequent reduction in storage charges for wool and hides, the recent "cut" in wages had meant a profit to his firm. "They pocketed it," he said.

His Honour said that the witness might answer the question if he chose, but the application before the Court was for a new award, and the Court had to decide whether anything had been added to the value of labour in the industry.

Mr Monteith: He says the farmers are asking for a reduction of the brokers' charges. The workers have had a reduction, but they c nnot pass it on. (To witness): Where did it go? The outcome of it is that your firm have profited by it. Bis Honour: He said his firm had made a loss on their transactions. We would like you to put your questions in such a way as not to make insinuations. That is all right on the soapbox.

The incident passed over, but Mr Monteith referred to it again after the luncheon adjournment. "I hope you will extend to me the common courtesy of the Court," he said.

His Honour: I intend to tenJer y:,u the same courtesy as anybody else, and I think it is very improper for you to criticise me in that manner. Mr Monteith repeated his request to be extended the common courtesy of the Court.

His Honour: You will get the same as anybody else. We have to put up with a good deal here that would not be tolerated in any other Court. Towards the end of the hearing, late in the afternoon, Mr Monteith referred to the matter once more. "This is not soap box oratory," he said, in asserting that tfye mortgage rate on city and suburban property had advanced 100 per cent during the last year.

His Honour: It is your manner that I objected to.

Mr Monteith assured the Judge that he had no intention to be discourteous towards him.