AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1924, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

U7HTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAIU.K ABSOCIA HON. THE CROPI.EV CASE. SYDNEY. Nov. 11. Alderman MeElphoue. examined liefore the Ciopley Commission, testified that though Alderman Shannon and Charlton were of a party differing from his. he knew no more honourable men. and he* considered them above suspicion. In dealing with the position of the' City Council alfairs. Cr MeKlphone said that so many peculiar tilings took place there that they created a considerable amount of suspicion 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 in coming to any conclusion, which In* thought lit. 'There was no explanation thereof. Asked by I lie Commission if lie bad come to the* conclusion that tliere must In* some undcrlinnel business at work.

Cl* MeElphoue replied: "No doubt whatever. Sonic* of the conclusions •ould not he eciine to honestly." He was asked: "Do you mean that there was graft ?"

Cr MeKlphone answered: "Undouht ■dlv."

Alderman Shannon was examined, and gave a general denial to the allegations. lie declared that lie was not connected with any iiirrniit practice's, lie did not know Croplev. noil Ice eonlcl suggest no reason win* his name should liccve Itc *c* 11 cl iciiret*. I into t! i i rose, unless. as someone had suggested, be•nnse Croplev was suffering from hnlIncimit ions.

Aldermau Charlton examined, gave I complete and general denial to the I I legal ions which he* regarded as fabrications. without any apparent motive.

MEN ORDERED TO RETURN (Received this day at S a.in.) MEf.BOCR.NE. Nov. Id

The* Arbitration Conit heard the paries to tin* waterfront dispute, after vhieh Mr Justice Powers ordered the non to return to work b.v Monday in inler-State vessels.