AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1928, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Vustralian Press Assn.—United Service SYDNEY BRIBERY. SYDNEY, August 3. The civic coal contracts inquiry has begun before Judge Thomson, Royal Commissioner. Mr Shand, King’s Counsel, is assisting the Commissioner. He outlined the proposed evidence. He said testimony would be produced to show payments were made to various persons to influence the placing of the contracts for the supply of coal. One firm, Brynes Ltd., supplied coal for several years, and counsel alleged that Council officers received moneys which were untraced since, and said one Alderman, since deceased, was alleged to have suggested raising the price of coal in a time of stress, the difference to he divided between ccitain aldermen. Mr Shand declared he would prove payments totalling £1209 to Mr Woof, the former Power House Superintendent; £2OO to Silas Haling, £SOO to ex-Aldermen Stokes and Holdsworth; and £2OO to ex-Aldermen Farrell and Bramston.

Inspector Mack ay gave evidence as to his conversations with Dialing, who had admitted £2OO reached him, but he did not use it, but gave it to a man who was always borrowing money. Tho case was adjourned till August 15th. A BUSH TRAGEDY. . BRISBANE', Aug. 4. A bush tragedy fifteen miles from Saint George is reported by local fishermen, who found the partly buried body of a- man about 24, in a dried river bed, where lie had been hastily buried in sand, hut had become uncovered. The head and throat were terribly gashed, suggesting lie had been murdered while sleeping. The remains of a fire were found ulioie clothing had been recently burned. The police arrested a new arrival, James Frank.

IN CORRECTION. WELLINGTON, August 4 A message this week stated there were objections by tbe Howard League for penal reform to tbe Mental Defectives Ill’ll, but tbe League wishes it to be understood that it approves of the general principles of tbe Bill and only suggests a modification or amendment of certain provisions, as set out in the message. SOI L INVESTIGATION. ROTORUA, Aug. 3. Sir John ltusscll, an English soil expert, accompanied by B. C. Aston, Chief Government Chemist, and Dr H. E. Annett, arrived at Rotorua this morning. They attended a reception given to the Japanese Naval visitors this afternoon. To-morrow they will investigate the soil and stock problems in the district.