AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2495, 23 June 1915, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

MILITARY CONTRACT SCANDALS ALLECED FORCED TENDERS. By Telograph—Press Association—Copyright (llcc. Juno 22, 9.30 p.m.) Sydney, June 22. At tile High Court tho trial was commenced of Arthur Kidman, charged with forging a tender in the name of C. Brown, to supply goods to tho military authorities, with tho intention of having the document accepted as genuine, lho tenders were called for supplies of meat for tho "German concentration camp. The case for tho Crown was that Kidman had submitted several tenders, allegedly in the same handwriting—including that signed "Brown," and two in the name of his own firm. Though Brown's prices for meat were lower, that of Kidman's firm was accepted, after the Tender Board had made inquiries. Tho Crown claimed that some of tho tendering firms were non-exist-ent. The Chief Justice asked how the Commonwealth was likely to bo prejudiced by Kidman's action. Counsel for tho Crown said that the Crown, in considering tenders, was entitled to have genuine tenders from genuine people before it. If not, it was liko false bids at an auction, and would deceive somebody ultimately purchasing. Accused's counsel stated that Kidmall had admitted that he had put in a tender, but thought that he had a right to do so. Paymaster- Dowitt, a member of tho Tender Board, gave evidence that the Board had examined Kidman in regard to tho tenders, and had accepted his meat tender _ after this examination. Kidman, was in the habit of contracting for military supplies, and his work had always been satisfactory. Major Page, senior member of tho Tender Board, deposed that Kidman had admitted to him that he had sent tenders in the same handwriting. He added that he had done so foolishly, and was sorry. E. F. Tait, a momber of the Light Horse, and formerly employed in looking after Kidman's interests at the various camps, gave evidence that Kidman had said that he would like to use his name in connection with some tenders. He agreed, and signed certain papers, but did not know that the tendei, produced, had been submitted in his name. He had no interest in tho tenders in his own name or otherwise, and had expected that Kidman would carry out the contracts of the tenders which were accepted. He never expectedx that ho would carry them out himself. Kidman told him to tell the Court everything he knew. Charles Brown, a carcass butcher, said that he just knew Kidman by "passing the time of day." He had never submitted a tender, or gave anybody any authority to do so.

CERMAN RESERVISTS IN AUSTRALIA. THREATS OF A' LOCAL RISING. Melbourne, June 22. Regarding threatening letters addressed to a number of aldermen, that Germans to tlio strength: of an army corps were waiting the word to rise, Senator Pearce (Minister for Defence) has declared that he is not anxious, as all German reservists have been interned. NEARLY TWO SHILLINGS PER POUND. Melbourne, June 22. The price of butter has been raised a penny per lb. wholesale. It is now Is. lid. per lb. RELIEVING THE FODDER SHORTACE. AMERICAN SHIPMENTS FOR NEW SOUTH WALES. Sydney, June 22. The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. G. Ashford) announces that a thousand tons of American chaff are due in July, and will be divided among necessitous farmers and railway contractors. The chaff cost the Government £11 per ton. Mr. Ashford adds that 11,000 tons of wheat is due in August. £21.000 SAVED BY NEW ZEALAND SUPPLIES. ■ Melbourne, June 22. Senator Pearce (Minister for Defenco) states that the Defence Department saved £21,000 by the purchase of 4000 tons of New Zealand fodder, the difference between the New Zealand and Australian price being £4 ss. per ton. NEW ZEALAND HORSES IN AUSTRALIA. STRICTER RULES FOR IMPORTATION. Melbourne, June 22. The Federal authorities have increased the stringency of the regulations regarding the importation of New Zealand horses. The certificate of the Government veterinary must accompany a horse, stating that, to his knowledge, the animal has not been within a country from which the importation of horseß to Australia is forbidden under tho Quarantine Act within the three preceding years. ITEMS IN BRIEF. FOOTBALLER COMMITS SUICIDE. (Rec. June 22, 7.40 p.m.) Sydney, June 22. Edward Coyne, a well-known footballer, who toured New Zealand with the Rugby League team, has committed suicide by hanging. EIGHT-HOUR SHIFTS FOR POLICEMEN. Sydney, June 22. The Chief Secretary (Mr. G. Black) has decided that the police shall work eight-hour shifts. FROZEN MEAT EXPORT IN VICTORIA. Melbourne, June 22. Mr. Justice Hood has been appointed to act as a Royal Commission to inquire into tho export of Victorian frozen meat. PASSING OF QUEENSLAND'S FORESTS. Brisbane, June 22. Replying to a. deputation of tiriibcrRetters, the Minister for Lands (Mr. J. H. Hunter) stated that at the present rate of denudation the entire timber resources will be exhausted in twenty years, unless something is done to conserve the forests.