Brisk Exchanges in Arbitration Court

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1063, 29 August 1930, Page 1

Brisk Exchanges in Arbitration Court

REPRESENTATIVES SPAR “OFFENSIVE QUESTION” Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. Questions put to a witness in the Arbitration Court by Mr. H. L. Monteith, employeers’ representative, led to a rather strained atmosphede yesterday'. Mr. Monteith was engaged in asking a witness for an expression of opinion when, from the other side ot the bench, by Mr. W. Cecil Prime, employers’ representative, he was told that his questioning was offensive. This Mr. Monteith denied. “It is a remarkable position,” he said, "and I should like to say so publicly, when In this court we have listened to an economic treatise from the w'itnesss, and the employers wish to prevent me from asking some practical questions on the same subject.” His Honour, Mr. Justice Frazer, intervened. The witness had been giving the retail drapers’ viewpoint on the w’age question. Mr. W. Croskery, who was appearing for the employees, asked the witness whether 10s a week was an equitable wage for a girl of 15. Witness replied that it seemed reasonable to him, having regard to the girl’s knowledge. “Do you seriously suggest that you consider 10s a w'eek sufficient to keep a girl of 15?” asked Mr. Monteith. Further questions aud further replies brought the witness to a state where he seemed to assent to the proposition that 10s a. week would supply a girl with food and clothing. “SERIOUS QUESTION” “Well,” said Mr. Monteith, “I am a married man with nine children. I am much older and more experienced than you, and yet you suggest that a girl of 15s can be kept on 10s a week. It does not matter whether she pays it or her parents pay it. I am not joking. It is a perfectly serious question. Remembering you are on oath, do you really want me to understand you believe that a child can be kept for 10s a week? You are on oath, you know'.” "Don’t put the question offensively,” said Mr. Prime. “I am not being offensive,” said Mr. Monteith, “aud I will not have you saying I am.” “It was offensive,” said Mr. Prime. “it was not offensive,” replied Mr. Monteith. “I never want to be offensive to a witness. I just want to make sure that he realises that he is on oath.” “He knows that,” said Mr. Prime. Two protests were made by Mr. T. O. Bishop against questioning when Mr. Monteith put a subsequent question. Mr. Bishop said he would, W'ith great respect, advise the witness not to answer the question just put, or any of a similar nature. Mr. Justice Frazer calmed the troubled waters by taking the question and answer as originally given by the witness in examination.