Appearance Before Incompetent Conciliation Authority Does Not Waive Jurisdictional Objection

The court held that a defendant's appearance before a conciliation authority that is locally incompetent does not constitute an acceptance of jurisdiction, but if the authority's lack of competence is not obvious, the defendant must attend the hearing to avoid subsequent cost liability. The court reasoned that while the conciliator conducts only a summary review of jurisdiction, if the claimant insists on proceeding despite a potential jurisdictional dispute (such as one involving a contested venue clause), the conciliation hearing must still take place, obligating the defendant to appear without excuse or face the penalties for unjustified default under the relevant procedural statutes.