"A MAN HUNT"

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 256, 21 June 1932, Page 5

"A MAN HUNT"

CPr es&. Assn. —

goode enquiry mr. lang called to give evidence before commission "NOT FOR ME TO JUDGE"

-By Telegraoh — Oroyrlght).

Rec. June 20, 8.10 p.m. SYDNEY, Monday. Two Roytal commissions appointed by the Stevens Government to investigate respectively the char- • ges of misconduct against Mr. C. J. Goode, chief transport commissioner, and events leading to the restoration of tin hare racing, are opened. What has become krtown as the Goode inquiry relates to the action of Mr.. Goode while he was goods yard superintendent in the Railway Department. The exPremier, Mr. J. T. Lang, who was responsihle for Mr. Goode's' appointment, as transport commissioner, was the first witness to-day. Mr Lang said that Mr Goode had made redress for whatever happened while he was an officer of the Railway Department, and having been punished, witness sent for him and j offered the position of chief transport officer. He was an outstanding man. A file of departmental papers was handed Mr. Lang covering the charges of misconduct, and Mr. Lang was asked whether he 'aid not think the charges against Mr. Goode were serious. He answered: "It is not for me to judge a man." "Sure-ly," asked Mr. Shand, who is assisting the Royal Commissioner, "you regard it a serious thing if a man dealing with railway tende^s accepts something from the railway contractors?" Mr. Lang replied: "If he did that he should be dismissed. I sent the papers to the Crown Law Office. It is not my duty to say whether he was guilty or not."Mr. Shand questioned a number of witnesses, including Mr. Lang, concerning the whereabouts of a file of papers relating to Mr. Goode. Mr. Lang replied that he had no idea where it was. He added that he had not read the documents on this particular file. Mr. Lang described the proceedings against Goode as a man hunt. The inquiry was adjourned. The tin hare inquiry charge, after the opening address by Mr. Monaghan, who is appearing to assist the Royal Commissioner, was adjourned. In several instances, graft was alleged against three Cabinet Ministers and certain members of Parliament.