ALLEGED MISCONDUCT of MR. G. T. B. WORGAN.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 96, 15 October 1873, Page 2

ALLEGED MISCONDUCT of MR. G. T. B. WORGAN.

The following extracts are from the report of the Commissioner:— First allegation. Having about the 21st March, 1872, whilst engaged by the Superintendent of Wellington (by authority of the General Government) to purchase or lease certain lands from the natives for the Provincial Government of Wellington, at or within a certain rate per acre, defeated the purpose he had undertaken by aiding Messrs. H. S. Taylor, Donald Smith, Henry M'Neil, and others to acquire such lands, to the injury of the Government he had undertaken to serve. Second allegation. Having about the Ist April, 1872, untruly asserted to Lieut. Col. Thomas M'Donnell, that such action was taken with the knowledge and approval of the Superintendent of Wellington. Third allegation. Having, by representing to Major Turner that he was, by holding a certain lease, impeding the action of the Government, and by pointing out to Major Turner a certain position within which his land was to be allotted caused Major Turner to make over his lease to H. S. Taylor, and having subsequently allotted the land in question in a different position to that which he had point out to Major Turner, and aided Mr. H. S. Taylor to obtain a new lease, and having recommended the Government to pay at a rate per acre amounting to two thousand one hundred and sixteen pounds, (£2,116) whereas the original lease was obtained from Major Turner for seventy-five pounds (£75). Fourth allegation. Having persistently withheld from the Government a copy of the original lease to Major Turner, (which there was reason to suppose was invalid) though constantly urged to procure such copy by the Government. Fifth allegation. Having, white in Goverment employment for the purchase or lease of certain lands, engaged with Mr. H. S. Taylor for the purchase or lease of portions of the said land on their private account. Sixth allegation. Having, about the 4th July, 1872, entered into partnership with Mr. Donald Smith for the purchase of land on * their private account within the Block he was employed to purchase or lease for the Government. Seventh allegation. Having, about the 15th February, 1872, purchased four hundred (400) acres of land for the Governmant from Poari Kurumati at ten shillings (10s) per acre, and advanced thereupon two sums of fifty pounds

(£SO) each, and subsequently induced the said Poari Kurumati to resell the same land to Mr. H. S. Taylor at fifteen shillings (15s) per acre. The Commissioner (Col. A. 11. Russell) then says :—“ lam of opinion that the first allegation has been proved except as regards Mr. M‘Neil. That the second has been proved. That the third has been proved. That the fourth has been sub* stantially though not literally proved. That the fifth has not been proved. That the sixth has been proved. That the seventh has been proved. But it is only just to Mr. Worgan to state, whilst my own mind has been satisfied as to the above conclusions, there is much in the annexed mass of evidence to lead to a contrary opinion.” Appended to the report is the Attorney-Gene-ral’s opinion, which concludes thus: — “After very careful consideration, I have no hesitation in expressing my opinion that sufficient is proved to show that Mr. Worgan’s proceedings have not been such as to entitle him to the further confidence of the Government, unless he gives a more satisfactory explanation than he has hitherto.”