Employer's Evidence as to Wages He Pays In H. M. Supreme Court, on Wednesday before his Honour Judge Grain, Salakhan Singh sued Harbant Singh for $173, the balance on an award made the court on a money-lending claim. Plaintiff said that defendant had paid only $90 in sums of $10 and $5. Witness was a poor man and he needed the money.
The Judge—Yes, they all say they are poor. Most of those who lend money are rich men, aren't they?
The defendant said that he was still poorer. He used to receive $35 per month, but now he got $25 only. His wife was sick and he produced a doctor's bills to prove this. He was unable to pay the debt in the first instance because h: in turn lent the money to other people and they had not paid him. He went to prison in March last year on account of this debt. Altogether he owed $400 or $500 to other people, but they recognized that he could not pay and were giving him a chance.
Plaintiff said that defendant received $35 per month, and, furthermore, he had paid over $100 to other people.
The Judge—That may be evidence that he cannot possibly pay you.
Defendant said that he did not mind if his master were brought to court to testify as to his wages. He received $25 and his master would say so.
Plaintiffi—I can bring Indians to prove that he gets more. He speak lies. If his master comes here he will help his watchman.
The Judge—What is the master?
Defendant—One Englishman and one Chinese.
The Judge (to plaintiff)—Very well. the Englishman will go to gaol if he lies. I will adjourn the case for a month and you can fubpeena the Englishman if you ike.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.