GRAFT TALK

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1929, Page 6

GRAFT TALK

(Australian Press Association) MELBOURNE, February G. Remarkable evidence was given at an inquiry into the suspension of Mr L. Shepherd, Secretary for Defence, which opened to-day before Mr IT. j Brown, Director-General of Postal j Services. j I lie first allegation against Mr Shop-1 herd arises out of a remark which lie I allegedly made at a dinner to Bert. Hinkler. j Captain H. Lanvin, Managing I)ircc | tor of Australian Aerial Services, declared that at the dinner he was re- ' luctantly forced to the conclusion that ; it was necessary to bribe Colonel Brins-j mead, the Controller of Civil Aviation,' to get even a fair hearing, to which Mr Shepherd is alleged to have replied: “ Why don’t von pay? You won’t get on if you don’t.” i The second allegation arose out of a : peace gathering at Mr Campbell-Jones’ bouse in October, 1928, at which Larkin and Brinsmead were present. Shepherd is alleged to have said to Larkin: “I know how to handle a Cabinet Minister. ] arrange the documents in two piles. One- they sign I without reading: the other I advise, them to read. Now it rests with you j which pile I pui your stuff in.” | Captain Larkin, giving evidence.! complained of the disabilities that his organisation bad experienced with the Civil Aviation Depnrlmoiit, and of the advantages which the Western Australian Airways Ltd. were receiving. He requested an inquiry into the Civil Aviation Department and the publication of air contracts Captain Larkin then repeated what had occurred at the Hinkler 'dinner, .between himself and Shepherd. The latter, sitting on his right, had said : “ Why do you keep running yuur head against a brick wall with all this argument.” At a Inter occasion Shepherd had suggested a lunch ns a peace gathering to patch up the* differences with Colonel Brinsmead. In due course the parties assembled at -Mr Cnmpbell.l ones’ house. M.r Campbell Jones appealed to Larkin. Colonel Brinsmead then complained that his diflerenees with Captain Larkin over the pasr three years had been “ perfect bell. Colonel Brinsmead, at one stage. ' threatened that he would resign his position, saving that lie would get a I better position outside tho Air Torre. ( Captain Larkin’s lengthy evidence; covered the subject matter of the foregoing charges. Cross-examined, lie said that he had asked for an inquiry into the purchase for the Perth Aerodrome by a Commission in order to establish whether any commission had been paid, but an enquiry was not grunted. Mr Shepherd hud told him that the purchase ol this aerodrome had nothing; to do with him. j Before the hearing was adjourned, Air Campbell Jones, who is the Alanaging Editor of “ Sun ” Newspapers Ltd., related what ’occurred at his house. He said he could only describe Captain Larkin’s statement about the! suggestion ol bribing C olonel Brinsmead as a “damnable lie.” He added: “ Aljv ambition in bringing these two men together was to try and get them to forget their personal aid agonism in order to advance the cause of aviation.” Air Cusseii. counsel for Shepherd: “ It has been suggested you brought pressure to bear on Captain Larkin in . order that his Company should bribe j Alt- Shepherd and Colonel Brinsmead. and make a bit lor yoursell.” .Mr Campbell Jones: “I did it entirely on my own initiative!” Air llam. K. 0., counsel lor Captain Larkin: “Why did you regard yourself as a suitable mail to bring these two men together? ” Air Campbell Jones: “Only arrogance: ” c