THE SNEDDON VOUCHER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1547, 31 August 1905, Page 3

THE SNEDDON VOUCHER.

AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORT.

COMPLETE REFUTATION OF CHARGES.

j(EM Eresa Association.) Wellington, last night. In. the House of Representatives this afternoon Mr Speaker read the report of the Auditor-General on the eqquiry into the alleged Seddon voucher. The Auditor General reported, 11 That during the whole period of Captain Seddon’s employment in the public service no voucher was ever issued or passed through the Treasury for payment to him for the organisation or reorganisation o! the defence stores ; that no such voucher exists, and that no such payment was ever made.” ‘ Mr Seddon moved that the and evidence do lie on the table and be printed and that consideration of the matter be fixed for next sitting day. Mr Taylor gave riotioajo move the. following amendment : “ In view of tbe failure of the private enquiry, held by th Auditor-General under the restrioted order of reference designed by tbe Premier, to discover the-voucher which Messrs Laroombe, West, Willis, and London, four experienced and reputable Civil servante in Christoburoh Post-Offioe, sjvear they handled, examined, and discussed, this House is of opinion that the present unsatisfactory position of the question in dispute should be met by the immediate appointment of a public enquiry, with a full power to investigate, call for evidence upon oath, and order the production of persons and papers, and the parties concerned, or permit counsel representing them to appear.” Mr Seddon’s motion was agreed to on the voioes. [