COLLEGE ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1926, Page 3

COLLEGE ENQUIRY

[IJY TELEGRAPH—PEP. PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, Sept. 29. At the Technical CoUege inquiry after the luncheon adjournment, Air Finlay addressing the Commissioner, said that the economic aspect of the matter lmd been giving him concern. His 'two learned friends had been at some pains to see that no formalities were neglected that might debar them from a remedy in costs against someone. Laing (counsel’s client) had nothing to gain either from the proceedings of the commission, or from its finding. Neverthe’ess lie (I.ning) might find himself fathering what was in effect, litigation, and might be Held responsible for a considerable sum in costs. He was only a tradesman, and whatever equity lie bad in bis home wns at stage. Laing (continued his counsel) had given the only evidence that it was in his power to give, and that evidence gave scope for the holding of a further inquiry within th» walls of the college. Allen, for example, might wish to give evidence. He took leave to propose to tbe Commission that he (Air Finlay) and his client (Laing) should be allowed to withdraw from the proceedings, but to re-enter when Park gave evidence in reply to Lning’s charges against himself. Ah” Findlay explained that lie suggested this only for economic reasons. He was entirely in the Commissioners hands. , , . Air Towle, in reply, pointed out that Rain<t had started the whole affair, and had stated that lie took full responsibilitv for everything. He now wished to withdraw, but he did not withdraw his charges against-Park or the Mutters could not be left at that. Ihe charges must lie cleared up. T.amg could not avoid responsibility by withdrawing at the present juncture. _ y\[ r Leary fully endorsed Mr Towles remarks. . . . Afr Finlay’s application, he said, was irregular, to say the very least about it Laing lmd pursued the matter foi more than a year. Ho had made wide and embracing charges, some of winch concerned other people’s concerns -and these charges had been well advertised throughout the country. Allien it came to a point at which lie saw that his charges could not be, substantiated, lie wished to withdraw, and then to resume when Park gave evidence. Ibis was the culmination of a persecution which lie had directed against Park for years. . . _ , The Commissioner invited counsel w confer with him privately, saying that 1 10 had a course of procedure to pror’°ln resuming it was announced that the sitting would he adjourned until to-morrow.