A COROWA AFFAIR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1921, 2 November 1906, Page 2

A COROWA AFFAIR.

OFFICIAL ASSIGNEE AND FEDERAL MINISTER.

CRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

Sydney, Nov. 1. Bankruptcy proceedings in connection with which the certificate of a ; Syrian storekeeper resident at Corowa waß Buspended for five years, disclosed an interesting correspondence between Sir William Lyne (Federal Minister for Trades and Customs) and Mr Palmer, the Official Assignee. Last month Sir William Lyne wrote to Mr Palmer, stating he had known the bankrupt for many years, and should not think it likely that there would be any reason for withholding the certificate, and stating that he would be glad if it were issued as soon as reasonably could be done. Mr Palmer, in the course of his reply, said that until the bankrupt complied with the provisions of the Bankruptcy Act he declined to discuss the case with Sir W. Lyne, adding, <• If the bankrupt is one of your constituents, your belief that there can be no reason for withholding his certificate, and your desire for it to be issued is perhaps excusable, hut such belief and desire cannot be allowed in any way to influence the administration of justice. Such letters as yours are injudicious, if for no other reason than that they are capable of serious misconstruction.”

In reply to this letter Sir William Lyne wrote expressing a little resentment at the terms of the letter, declaring that he had not the slightest intention or desire to influence Mr Palmer, and only wished to prevent delay. He could not see how on earth such a letter as his could be considered

injudicious. Mr Palmer’s next communication persists that Sir William Lyne’s letter was injudicious, and concludes : “ I am glad to have your assurance that you had not the slightest intention or desire to influence me.”

Sir William Lyne’s reply expressed much resentment at the tone of Mr Palmer’s letter. In closing the correspondence Mr Palmer says, “ It is very evident that we look at the matter from entirely different points of view, and no benefit can be derived by a continuance of tho correspondence.”