SUGAR INQUIRY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1433, 7 May 1912, Page 5

SUGAR INQUIRY.

CONTUMACIOUS WITNESSESOFFICIALS OF THE SUGAR CO. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TO BE TAKEN By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. (Rec. May G, 9.45 p.m.) Sydney, May G. The Sugar Commission resumed its sittings to-day. Tho chairman announced that in view of certain facts- which had been published, Mr. Knox evidently believed that ho had grounds for the accusation he made against the Commission, therefore he, the chairman, withdrew the terms with which ho characterised the accusation, when he said it was a deliberate He. Whatever may be Mr. Knox's belief, howover, the charge was baseless. He then called Mr, Knox and the other directors of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, all of whom failed to respond. Tho chairman stated that he would now leave the matter in the hands of the Federal Government, and adjourned the sitting to Thursday. Mr. Knox forwarded a letter, stating that he would appear when he had tho assurance of the Commission that the statement tendered by him would be received in full as part of the record of the Commission, and when ft record of the evidence already taken was supplied to him, and time and opportunity given of replying to it later. The chairman of tho company wrote, stating that the absence of himself and co-directors was to protest against the treatment tho company and the general manager had received at the hands of the Commission. They were prepared to attend if/after Mr. Knox had presented tho company's caso, and had an opportunity of replying to the ovidence already taken, the Commissioners were still of opinion that a useful purpose would be served. Mr. Hughes, Federal Attorney-Goneral, stated that he has given instructions for certain steps to be taken.