WHY WORK?

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 443, 10 December 1908, Page 3

WHY WORK?

Man Who Prefers to Sit by the Fire. Much amusement was caused at the Bow County Court, London, on Friday, October 16th, by a young man who had lost three fingers in an accident and who claimed damages under the English Workmen’s Compensation Act. It was stated that he had been offered work by the firm, but had refused it on the ground that he still suffered from nervousness.

“ Are you willing to do any work at all?" enquired counsel. "No,” the young man replied, stoutly.

“ Do you say you are not willing or not able ?’’ the judge asked. ‘‘l said not willing,” was the unblushing reply. "Would you rather live your present life at 10s id a week than cake a job as caretaker or anything of that kind ?” counsel asked.

" Yes,” said the man with decision.

You are looking forward to 10s id a week for the rest of your life ? —That is not much, is it ?

Won’t you get tired of doing nothing ? —No, sir. What do you do with yourself ? —I sit and watch the fire.

If your doctor said that you were entirely recovered, would you go back to woik ? —No. A witness who took the young man out for a walk daily said that he was highly nervous. If spoken to roughly he burst into tears.

The judge said it was impossible for a crippled man to go upon the market, and the firm must pay 10s id weekly. “ I still think work of some kind would be good for him,” he added.