SERIOUS CHARGES.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 June 1923, Page 3

SERIOUS CHARGES.

AGAINST INSPECTOR. (Grey Argus Special.) WELLINGTON, June 19. Mr Jas O’Brien, M.P.. to-day gave notice to ask the Minister ol Miuiuo if he will make an enquiry into the charges of trafficking in steam boilois |>v mi Inspector of Machinery on the West Coast, and further if the said Inspector is proved to have been using his official position for the purpose of private trading, wliat- steps will the Minister take in the matter. Mr O’Brien stated that a log-hauler was bought from Mr Slowey, of I imam, and sold through a firm of machinery dealers to the Public M orks Department. Another log-hauler was bought, from the Midland Sawmilling Coy.. Maiianui. because it was given out that the pressure oti the boiler would lie reduced, and it was sold to Messrs Baddeley and Party. This boiler was not repaired nor was the pressure reduced after it was sold. After his reporting unfavourably on a boiler owned hv the Kapitea. Dredging Cov.. the boiler was bought by the Inspector for £.lO. and. after a few minor repairs were done to it. the boiler was sold to Baddeley and Party, State Mines for £240. According to the best engineering amt boilermaking advice procurable the repairs recommended wore not necessary for the safety of the boiler. A Strakker waggon was bought from the Bulb-r Comity Council, and was sold to Messrs Turner, of Moonlight-. Mr O’Brien said, further, that if an Income Tax officer were to inspect the books of the Machinery Exchange hi m mentioned, ample evidence of the v charges could he procured.