"GRAFT" CHARGES.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1870, 2 October 1913, Page 7

"GRAFT" CHARGES.

MR. WADE AND MR. GRIFFITH.

THE ROYAL COMMISSION.

By Tclejrnpli-Prosj ABsociation-Oopyrlelit ' Svdnov, October ] Tho Hoy a I Commissioner (Mr Justice 'ring), who was appointed to inquire nto tho charges preferred in the New ioul'li Wirie's State Assembly' by Mr. Vado (Leader of tho Opposition), .gainst Mr. Griffith (Minister of Public tVorksj, bas been empowered to inquiro: Whotlier llr. Griffith, in liis adminstration of tho Public Works Departnent, had been gjiilty of any dishonest ir dishonourable conduct in connection I'itli t'he construction of tlio city railway, tho Baiikstown railway, certain .ram extensions, and land purchase at J'hr's Point-: but tlio Medlow land pur:haso is excluded from tlio order of re'erenco. (.Mr. Wado charged tlio Minster with purchasing land at Medlow jndor assumed names, tho land being in such a position that it must have increased in Ivaluo sooner or later by tho carrying out of certain public works — namely, an overhead bridge over tlio railway line, and diversion of tho main road). Mr. Holman, the Premier, wli'on announcing tho appointment of Mr. Justice Prnig, said that tho commission fully embraced every charge against Mr.' Griffith regarding tho administration of liis Department. If other charges were mado the scope of tlio commission would be widened to embraco them.

Later, Mr..Wade moved the adjourn-, ment of the House. Ho complained of tho exclusion of the Hedlow charge. A warm debate, .during whicli tho Government's action was severely attacked,' took placo. It was eventually closured.

MR. WADE INSISTS ON MEDLOW. (Ike. October 2, 0.15 a.m.) Sydnoy, October 1. , Mr. Wade has stated definitely that lie if'ill not, appear before tho Royal Commission 1111(053 tho Medlow charge is included amongst tho matters to 00 investigated.

BRITISH LIBERAL PARTY FUNDS, CHARGE OE SPECULATING ON RAILWAY STRIKE. London, September 30.

Tile " National'llciviow" declares that while Ministers wore engaged in settling the coal strike in 1912 Lord Murray of Elibank —then Chiof Liberal Wiiip— invested £21,305 of the party's funds iu some railway stocks ivluoh were likely to bo materially affected' by the negotiations.