CAPITAL V. LABOUR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2760, 19 July 1924, Page 3

CAPITAL V. LABOUR.

A COURT ANIMADVERSION.

During the hearing of a civil action arising out of a building dispnic. at the local S.M. Court yes--1 onlay, counsel for plaintiff (Mr P. L. Hollings) was subjecting the defendant to a severe cross examination when he animadverted on to .political issues.

Mr Hollings to plaintiff: No wonder some people talk socialism. You are the sort of capitalist who is sowing the seeds of socialism and revolution and everything else. You want a man to work for you for nothing!” flie S.M. facetiously: “It. is generally the man who does not want to work who talks socialism!”

Air Hollings: “The capitalists are sowing the seeds of soeialim and revolution in this country.” The S.M.: “Never mind making a speech on socialism, Mr Hollings.” A[r Hollings: “They (the capitalists) will reap the harvest they are sowing.” The S.M. “Well, they won’t do any good if they reap it like the socialists are reaping it in Russia to-day. The capitalists of this country are benevolent gentlement in comparison with a certain class of people who would seek to rule the country.” Mr Hollings: “The capitalists are the cause of sill the trouble in the country.” The S.M.: “Capital is necessary, and the country conld not carry on without it.”

Afr Hollings made further reference to the subject when the S.AI. told him to go on with his examination.

Mr Hollings: “I know capitalism is sowing the seeds —” The S.AI. (severely) : “Get on with the cross-examination and cut out this lecture on socialism.”

Air Hollings: “Is there any need in be discourteous to counsel?”

The S.M.: “There is every need, Afr Hollings, if you want it straight. You’ve no right to insult the witness the way you have done and I have allowed you to go a good deal further tlnm is necessary.” The incident and examination of the -'defendant then closed.