“Stringing Out” The Gasworks Inquiry

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 27, 2 February 1937, Page 6

“Stringing Out” The Gasworks Inquiry

FURTHER WITNESSES BEING CALLED. **W# axe only stringing this thing out; it will go on for weeks,” commented the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Mansford) when requests were put before the City Council last night for additional witnesses to be called in connection with the gasworks inquiry. "I don’t know whethe: we are going to get any further,” ho added. Cr. J. T. J. Heatley asked if the council would have to meet the expenses of a witness who, it had been suggested, should be called from Auckland. The Mayor: Yes!; wo cold not expect him to come otherwise. Cr. W. B. Tcnncnt said he was prepared to leave it to the council if this witness should be called. Outlining his attitude, Cr. J. Hodgens, M.P., said ho wished to clear suggestions that ulterior motives had been behind him while he was chairman of the lighting committee. A determined effort had been made throughout the 350 pages of the evidence already taken at tho inquiry to incriminate the speaker. ‘mere was definite evidence, declared Or. Hodgens, that councillors had been in touch with disgruntled employees of the Council to find some mud that would stick to him. He knew that tho proceedings must be nauscuting to some of the councillors who were not responsible for the allegations made against him, but the fact remained that so much was at stake against him that he must be pardoned for wishing to call further evidence. He wanted to satisfy the majority of the council that he was not the “crook” that an attempt had been made fo prove. Tho Mayor stated that the council did not want any witnesses Jet out. Every opportunity would bo given Cr. Hodgens to call whatever witnesses ho desired. Tho discussion ended with tho making of arrangements for u further sitting oi the inquiry committee to-night.