RAILWAY INQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1932, Page 5

RAILWAY INQUIRY

GOODE ON TRIAL

CHARGE OF MISCONDUCT

fAustralian Press Association.)

SYDNEY, June 21

Mr Charles Joachim Goode to-day appeared before the Royal Commission which is inquiring into a charge cf misconduct against him, while he wa,s an officer of the Railway Department. Mr Shand, K.C., who is the Assistihg Commissioner, questioned him about some cheques, paid into his account in 1928. Mr Sliaiul specifically asked whether he received from Mr S. E. Vernon, a railway cartage contractor, a. cheque for £IOO, which lie (Goode) had endorsed. Mr Goode said that he declined to answer this question, on the ground that he might incriminate himself.

Mr Shand asked: “Have you ever had any dealings with Mr J. B. Davis, cartage contractor?” Mr Goode; “I decline to answer, as it may incriminate me.” Mr Shand asked other questions of a like nature, all of which Mr Goode refused to answer.

“We may have to get some alteration in this Commission,” added Mr Shnnd. !

Sydney Edward Vernon, railway contractor and carrier, was then naked a series of questions about the. samo cheques, particularly one for £IOO, which was handed over n 1928. Vernon also refused to answer, on the ground that an answer might incriminate him. The witness said that ho had viqited Mr Goode’s house, but fill' Goode had never visited his.

AGENT-GENERAL ABOLISHED

SYDNEY, June 21

The Premier of New South AVales, Mr Stevens, announced to-day that the Cabinet had decided to abolish the N.S.W. Agent-Generalship in London, and were making provision instead for trade representation there. The Agent-General, Mr A. C. Willis, is being recalled immediately. This post at present costs the State £14,000 a year.