VICTORIAN POLITICAL SCANDAL.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11507, 13 February 1903, Page 5

VICTORIAN POLITICAL SCANDAL.

THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

CONDEMNATION BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received February 12th, 9.21 a.m.) MELBOURNE, February 12. The Select Committee appointed to inquire into the charges against Mr McKenzie, ex-Minieter of Lands, acquits him of obtaining grazing land for 'himself or a relative at an inadequate price, but finds that he failed to realise bis true position as a trustee' of the public lands, that he should not have sub-let his grazing licenses contrary to the practice of his department, that he should have refrained from acting as a judge in hie own cause and the cause of his eon when other persons were interested, and that he took a very objectionable oouree in using the names of an agent to secure licenses. The "Age," which supports the Irvine Government, commenting on the report of the McKenzie enquiry, says:—"The effect of this really awful document is crushing against the Minister, and convicts him positively of the whole of the charges. His conduct is only explicable on the theory that the naturally shrewd mind of the Minister had become obscured under the influenoo of intense greed, when he saw, in the prevalence of starving stock» an opportunity of using his position for monetary profit. No euoh obloquy ever before besmirched the fair fame of a Victorian Minister, and the only reparation he can make is to give the electors an immediate opportunity of electing his successor. "

In the Assembly, on January 7th, Mr S-. M. Pxendergast, member for North i\lelbourne, moved the adjournment, and challenged the action of the Hon. M. MoKenzie. Minister of Lands, in subletting for £iOOO certain lands for whioh a grazing license of £25 had been paid yearly, -4.0 contended that this conduct was such that the Hon. M. McKenzie was not fitted to hold office, and demanded an enquiry. The Hon. jlu. McKenzie admitted that lie had sold the grass on the land, but ho had £3000 in improvement, and considered he had a right to-recoup the losses. He desired a full enquiry, and placed hie resignation in tihe Mmdfc' of the Premier. A few daye later the Assembly, on a motion by, the Premier, appointed a Committee to inquire into the administration of the Lands Department in reference to grazing licenses wiierein the Hon. M. McKenzie had a personal interest.