LABOUR PAPERS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1669, 8 February 1913, Page 6

LABOUR PAPERS.

OBJECTIONABLE TERMS.

JUDGE EDWARDS AMAZED,

(By Telegraph— Special Correspondent.) Auckland, February 7. J. lie character of tho language used by writers in eomo of the Labour papers in i New Zealand was frequently commented upon in the Supremo Court yesterday by Jus Honour Mr. Justice Edwards, during the liearin? of two libel actions in which tho New Zealand Federation of labour wero the _ defendants. Ho remarked on ono occasion that the use of such language should bo prohibited by law. Many articles wero quoted- from the "Maoriland Worker," the "Voico of Labour," and the "Leader," a paper now defunct. During tho proceedings, the tono of the articles was severely criticised by the Judge and counsel on both 6ides. Sir John Findlay remarked that both, papers possessed a gift of vituperation in a high degree, and Mr. P. J. O'Reran also commented on the writings which are served for tho working man. He remarked that such language was not ; usually employed in journalism. Newspaper controversies were conducted in Arizona in a similar manner, but instead of seeking a decision in the courts the authors generally settled their disputes with shooting' irons. In a general review of the papers, Judge Edwards said he was amazed at tlie language used by these. newspapers. The writers seemed to havo devoted themselves to a search through the dictionary for the longest and most objectionable terms. Ho declined to believe that such langiiago was commonly used by working men, and added that much of the rubbish i would not be understood by them.