“WOULD GET ARNOTT”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 375, 8 June 1928, Page 9

“WOULD GET ARNOTT”

SYDNEY REFORM LEAGUE OBJECTION TO BRIBERY (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) SYDNEY, Thursday. The Royal Commission which is investigating the affairs of the late Sydney City Council resumed its sittings to-day. Mr. John Carruthers, a manufacturers’ representative, said in evidence that in 1926 he was assistant to Mr. Arnott. One day he received a telephone message from Sir James Murdoch, the president of the Civic Reform League, who said he had learned that Babcock and Wilcox were going to pay money to somebody connected with the Town Hall. Sir James asked witness to warn Mr. Arnott that if the payment was made they would get Mr. Arnott sooner or later, and it would be made public. Sir James Murdoch said in evidence that he first learned about the allegations in connection with the Bunnerong contract from a man named Gibson. The latter said £15,000 was being offered by the International Combustion Company if it could secure the contract. The secretary of the Civic Reform League had told witness he had learned that Babcock and Wilcox had also offered to pay aldermen £12,000 if their tender was accepted. Witness then warned Mr. Carruthers that they would prosecute the matter to the utmost if the bribe were given.