THE ARBITRATION COURT

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 114, 11 February 1928, Page 10

THE ARBITRATION COURT

Sir, —The question is being asked: Is the Arbitration Court a sound institution ? The value of an institution can generally be discovered in the degree to which it has been used over a long period. Lest some should think that our present system, is a dangerous innovation on the part of a young nation, perhaps the following quotation will afford enlightenment. It is from the oldest known code, that of Khamtuurahi; and it dates from the third millenium, B.C. Clause 274 reads: If anyone hires an artisan,—The wages of a . . . are 5 SHE of silver; the wages of a brick maker (?), 5 SHE of silver; the wages of a tailor, 5 SHE of silver; the wages of a stone cutter (?) . . . She of silver; the wages of a . . . SHE of silver; the wages of a . . . SHE of silver; the wages of a carpenter. 4 SHE of silver; the wages of a ... 4 SITE of silver; the wages of . . . SHE of silver; the wages of a mason . . . SHE of silver,— a day ho shall give.—l a>n. etc., CHALDEAN. Wellington, February 1.