THE TOTALISATOR COMMISSION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1342, 20 January 1912, Page 4

THE TOTALISATOR COMMISSION.

ACCUSATIONS DENIED. A letter appeared in The Dominion yesterday, over the signature of "A Kmamiel," in which .it was stated, among other things, that the Now South Wales lotahsator Commission, tho members of which are at. prosent in Wellington, had taken evidenco at Auckland, "mostly in camera," and that an impression" was abroad in Auckland that only evidence iu layour of tho machine was wanted. Tho writer of tho letter also etatod that the Commission bad not invited Mr. E. J. Mason, a woll-knowin New Zealand trainer, to present himself aa a witnoss. The letter was read at tho sitting of the commission in Wellington yesterday by one of its members (Mr. J. C; L. Fitzpah'ick, M.P.). "Why didn't ho (Mr. Emanuel) com® forward, and give evidence?"—commented a number of members when the reading concluded.

Mr. Bruntnell suggested that the challenge contained in tho letter might be ta.ken up. Tho writer should bo invited to come and give evidence. After some further desultoty discussion it was formally stated by tho chairman (Mr. Levion): — (1) That from tho commencement of tho sittings in Auckland.. it-, was. stated that evidence from individuals of all shades of opinion would bo welcomed by the commission. (2) That tho commission had never sat in camera save at tho request of witnesses. (3) That tho chairman personally interviewed Mr. Mason, and askod him to appear as a witness, but that Mr. Mason cxcusod himself on tho ground that ha was too busy. These statements were unanimously endorsed by tho other, mombere. | ■ "It is a very strange thing," remarked the chairman, "that this guardian of the people's rights, Mr. Emanuel—if that is his real name—only came forward and published his letter after we had gone." , "I said in Auckland to a reporter," said Mr. Bruntnell, "that I was deeply disappointed at the backwardness of people who were opposed to this tbtalisator in coming to tender evidence." Mr. Bruntnell added that tho sa.mo remark had been maxld and reported more than once.

The chairman stated (other member* concurring) that, if Mr. Mason was willing to como forward as a witness,, tho commission would arrange a special sitting, at which to hear bis evidence, either on Saturday evening or at any other available time. Failing this, 'it was agreed that Mr. Mason should bo invited to appear before tho commission in New South Wales, where, it is understood, he intends to procoed shortly for tho season's racing.