Fisher’s Mare’s Nest.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXII, Issue 42759, 10 August 1905, Page 2

Fisher’s Mare’s Nest.

RETURNS TO THE CHARGE. AN ABSURD PROPOSITION [by telegraph press association. ] ‘Wellington, This Day. As soon as the formal business of the House was disposed of this afternoon Mr Fisher read a letter which iie had seat to the Speaker of the House that

no-riling. In the c jurse of :he letter Mr Fisher said: “In spite of documentary denials from certain pnblic officers 1 withregard to tho alleged payment to Captain Seddon I repeat my contention that such a payment as I have referred to was made. I desire that Parliament should appoint a tri - bunal that shall command pubiic com* fidence with a view to decide the question in dispute. As justification for this request I place in your hands a sealed envelope containing a number of sworn affidavits from certain Civil Servants who declare they can prove the voucher was passed through the Treasury for payment to Captain Seddon for reorganising defence stores. I intend asking for indemnity to any Civil Servant who shall give evidence on this matter, and in the event of tins being done I desire you to hand to the chairman of any tribunal ap pointed to deal with the matter the affidavits new handed to you.” He moved that the letter lie on the table and be printed. Messrs Taylor and Bedford said they had seen the affidavits, and they were perfectly genuine. The Hon. Mr Seddou asked the House to refuse leave to lay the letter on the table. Members should see the danger of making such a precendenc. The contents of the sealed packet had not yet been disclosed and there would be an opportunity in the ordinary course of business for Fisher and Comnay to ventilate their charges as to the proposed enquiry. It, was usual for an accuser to state the charges before an enquiry was held, but that had not been done in this case. The course suggested was unfair, unjust' and improper. After a lengthy discussion Mr Fisher’s motion was lost by 46 to 21.