RADIO SCANDAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1046, 9 August 1930, Page 9

RADIO SCANDAL

OFFICIALS ARE EXONERATED ON BRIBERY CHARGES INQUIRY IN AUSTRALIA CANBERRA, Friday. The allegations of bribery made against Mr. P. E. Coleman, the chairman, and other members of the Federal Public Accounts Committee, arising out of their inquiry into the compensation claims by owners of A class broadcasting stations, have not been sustained. Mr. Justice Dethridge. who, sitting as a Royal Commission, investigated the allegations made by Mr. Roland Green, Country Party member of the House of Representatives for Richmond, completely exonerates the committee and also Major W. T. Conder, formerly manager of station 3LO in Melbourne.

The charge arose out of a claim by the owners of A class broadcasting stations for heavy compensation from the Commonwealth Government.

Mr. Green was the chief witness. He stated in evidence that an unnamed man, who described himself as an insurance inspector, had said to him: *‘l understand you are the only member of the Public Accounts Committee who is standing out against the broadcasting claim. Coleman earned his £SOO. Why be a fool and stand in your own light.?” Witness said he also was approached by Major Conder, formerly of station 3LO in Melbourne. Major Conder suggested that Mr. Green should accept £2OO for dresses for his wife. _