BAUME CASE

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12605, 16 November 1926, Page 7

BAUME CASE

MINISTER’S STATEMENT An answer to Mr Howard Elliott, and the statements he has made anent the administration of the Prisons Department in respect to the Baume cose, is provided by the following statement issued vesterdav by tin Minister for Justice (Hon. Mr Bolleston): “The Government has complete confidence in the ability of Mr Dollard to fill his position, and has no intention at Mr Elliott’s bidding of setting up an inquiry into his appointment: nor for reasons already stated will it sel up any commission to review the actions of the Prisons Board. Mr Elliott made specific charges against the administration of the Prisons Department in regard to the preferential treatment of Baume. When these were categorically denied by the ControllerGeneral. he renlied that the Controller had deliberately tried to mislead the public. Mr Elliott further stated that he had affidavits and sworn evidence to prove his charges. The Prisons Act provides the means for the prooer investigation of these charges. The allegation that on account of inbuence anv prisoner was accorded snecial privileges and special treatment is not so trivial as Mr Elliott would unw have the miblie believe. Tf Mr Elliott refuses, to produce the evidence which he said was in bis possession the public can draw their own inference.”