BRIBERY CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1928, Page 5

BRIBERY CHARGE

INTER ESTING EVIDENCE

(Australian Press Association) (United Service.)

ißceeivcd this day at 12.25. p.m.) SYDNEY, Dee. 21.

The hearing has ,Begun of a charge of bribery against Michael Fitzgibbons, an omnibus proprietor. The Chief Secretary, Air Bruntnell, related that Major Jarvie, a fellow Parliamentarian, brought him a gift of pipes, to which was attached an envelope containing two £IOO notes. Fitzgibbons was an applicant for a bus roil to, which required Air Bruntnell’s official sanction, for which Fitzgihhons had a rival named AlcNichol. Air Bruntnell refused the gifts and interviewed Jarvie, who said he did not. know the two hundred pounds accompanied the pipes. Detective Morgan interviewed Major Jarvie last Saturday, and said to him: “I hear an ugly rumour about your getting £3OO out of this transaction.

Major. Jarvie replied:—“lt is incorrect. I am an honourable man. I know T' look foolish in the public eyes.” He added that he did not know tho two liundred pounds wero in the envelope with the pipes. A statement was also obtained-from Fit/.gibbons, who declared tho pipes were a present for Air Bnintnell as a mark of appreciation of the time and attention lie had given to the .bus route application, hut tho £2OO was intended for tho National 1 arty s funds.

Milton Jnrvic gave evidence tliat he was with Fity.gibbons when tho pipes were brought. Ho saw nothing improper in gifts of pipes to a Minister from one of his constituents, Unit he had no idea tho £2OO went with tho pipes. Tho hearing was adjourned.