Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 06 February 1904
Mr W. H. Chambers in the Witness Box
Mr. W. H. Chambers, the managing director of the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries, Ltd., spent a day and a half in the witness box last week, being the first witness called for the plaintiffs, in the action brought by his company against the Yorkshire Miners’ Association and others.
More than half the time he was under cross-examination by Mr. Rufus Isaacs, K.C., who is regarded as the most subtle cross-examiner at the Bar to-day.
Nearing the close of the ordeal, the defendant’s leading counsel asked Mr. Chambers if he had been present at the trial of the County Court action at Doncaster, when the Denaby men sought to recover the money deducted from their wages for the removal of bag-dirt.
“I was,” said Mr. Chambers, “and I was ready to give evidence. I wanted to give evidence, but I was not allowed,” whereupon the Judge, with a sly smile, remarked—“You can’t make that complaint this time, at all events, Mr. Chambers.”
In the roar of laughter which followed the Judge’s sally, even Mr. Chambers, heartily tired as he seemed of cross-examination, had to laugh when he shook his head.