Postal Inquiries.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1922, Page 3

Postal Inquiries.

YESTERDAY’S PROCF.EDINGS. WELLINGTON, Dec. 19. At the postal enquiry to-day the evidence in the Springbok case was concluded, and the Kennedy case was opened. Allegations were made against Kennedy by two women, and on one el targe ite was dismissed front the service. Kennedy to-day said that he bad had no opportunity ol refuting the charges. The Department advised hint that it had overwhelming evidence against him, and that he would be well advised to resign. On the second charge he was given no consideration before the enquiry. The woman’s name was not givttit until lie was formally charged. He endeavoured to show that t Jie Department had gone out of its way to convict him, and declared that lie bad been prejudiced by the officials. O. C*. Jlazengarb. solicitor, said that, men in the Department had complained that statements taken in confidence bad I,ceu used against them. In Kennedy s esse, the Department called only witnesses who were against Kennedy, in spite ef the fact that they had found witnesses who would have refuted that testimony. Witness remarked that he did not say the Department was unfair. , . The : ommissioneit: “Well, isii t that what I am here to investigateP Witness: 1 did not say that. Witness said also that be did not make any charge of suppressing evidence. lie contended that when the Department held an enquiry it should I, ring out all the evidence available, all 11, evidence for and against the, defendant. If this was not done, the Department should say that it was going to prosecute, lie believed that Morris 1 .7., 1 I een actuated b.v most kindly motives, hut that Lauronson was responsible for a lot of discontent m the service. , . The Commissioner: Don’t you think you have been a little indiscreet to have made this report. Ihe bulk ol this has fallen fiat to the ground. Witness: For everything 1 have said, I have had statements from the men. The case was adjourned.