ALLEGED GRAFT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 November 1924, Page 7

ALLEGED GRAFT.

SYDNEY ALDERMAN’S EVIDENCE.

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

SYDNEY, Nov. 14. Alderman McElhone, examined before the Cropley Commission, testified that though Aldermen Shannon and Charlton were of a party differing from hie, he knew no more honourable' men, and considered them above suspicion.

Dealing with the position of the City Council affairs, Alderman McElhone said so many peculiar things took place there that they created a considerable amount of suspicion in his eyee and in the eyes of his party, so that it became necessary to watch the proceedings very closely. Extraordinary decisions were reached, ‘which would justify any alderman coming to any conclusion he thought fit. There was no explanation for these decisions.

Asked by the commission if he had come to the conclusion that there must he some underhand business at work, Alderman McElhone replied that there was no doubt whatever that some conclusions could not be come to honestly. Asked the question: ‘‘Do you mean there was graft?” Alderman McElhone answered: ‘ ‘Undoubtedly. ’ ’ Alderman Shannon, who was then examined, gave a general denial to the allegations. He declared that he was not connected with any corrupt practices. He did not know Cropley, and could suggest no reason why his name should have been dragged into the case unless, as someone had suggested, Cropley was suffering from hallucinations.

Alderman Charlton gave a complete a »d general denial to the allegations, which he regarded as fabrications without any apparent motive. ,