FEAR OF VICTIMISATION

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3656, 23 June 1927, Page 2

FEAR OF VICTIMISATION

WITNESSES FAIL TO GIVE EVIDENCE.

“GALLERY PLAY TO IMPRESS COURT.”

“If an employer victimises a man for giving evidence, then the Court will turn round and victimise the boss,” stated Mr. Justice Frazer at the Arbitration Court at PaMerston North on Tuesday, when the statement was made by Mr. W. Bromley, acting as agent for the employees in the flaxniill dispute, that two of his witnesses had' failed to turn up because they were afraid of victimisation.

Mr. P. T. Robinson, secretary of the union, told His Honour that’ a subpoena had been served on each of the men. The first one had dashed his to the ground and had stated that he would not attend because bis boss would get his own back; while the second, who had been tendered his expenses, had actually come to town, but, on folding that his landlord and his employer were here, he had cleared out. Ilis Honour: Do you want me to issue a warrant for that man? Mr. Bromley: In nearly every instance where we have asked the men to give evidence they have told me (lull they would be victimised.

His Honour: The Court has ample power to punish offenders. Do you want the second man who didn’t turn up arrested and brought here?

Mr. Bromley: No. 1 don’t want (lint to be done.

‘T can’t accept statements that the’ men have a fear of victimisation unless 1 hear it from the men Ihemselves,” slated His Honour.

Mr. Bromley: There has been no intimidation so far. The man who came to town just took fright. His Honour: Some people lake I right at a mouse.\lf there are any more fainthearted witnesses, I hope they will pluck up courage.

“This is all gallery play to impress the Court,” commented Mr. B. L. Hammond, agent for the employers. His Honour: The Court is quite hardened; it takes a lot to impress