PERKS FOR. ALDERMEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 439, 22 August 1928, Page 9

PERKS FOR. ALDERMEN

SYDNEY CIVIC SCANDAL CONTRACTS FOR COAL (United P.A. —By Telegraphy-Copyright) SYDNEY, Tuesday. Mi-. Justice Thomson, the Royal Commissioner appointed to inquire into the matter of coal contracts entered into by the late Sydney City Couhcil, resumed the inquiry to-day. Alfred Ivatt, chairman of directors of B. Byrnes, Limited, refused to answer questions about sums shown in the company’s books as special commission. Arthur Earnshaw, a member of the firm of Kirton and Earnshaw, coal merchants, stated in evidence that his firm entered into contracts with the City Council in 1921 to supply coal. He had paid money to Richard Woof, formerly superintendent of the civic power-house, in connection with two 20,000-ton contracts. He had also paid money through. J. W. Johnston, of Byrnes, Limited, in connection with council contracts. Johnston had told him he knew seme of the aldermen, and witness paid 3d a ton in connection with the contract. Later Woof wanted 6d a ton, but agreed to accept 3d if the money were paid in a lump sum of £250. Before the next contract Woof wanted 6d a ton but accepted 4d. the first £175 to be paid in a lump sum. Henry Gray, the secretary of the South Clifton Colliery, said his firm tendered in 1925 for the supply of 60,000 tons of coal to the council. Woof offered to supervise the powerhouse tests at 3d a ton. The Contract was accepted and £750 was paid to Woof. The hearing was again adjourned.