Addington Inquiry.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4385, 13 March 1909, Page 3

Addington Inquiry.

SITTING OF THE COMMISSION. EVIDENCE OF WITNESSES. MR MILLAR’S STATEMENT. Wellington, March 11. “ I have had no communication from the Commissioners regarding Mr Ronayne’s withdrawal,” explained the Hon. J. A. Millar (Minister for Railways) when a New Zealand Times representative inquired to night as to what would be the next development at Addington. “ The Commission will go on just the same,” said Mr Millar, “ the matter is in the hands of the Commissioners, and I have nothing to do with it until they present their reports. There are points outside the question of doing a fair day’s work.” The allegations of “ Government stroke ” are withdrawn, so there is no reflection upon the workmen.” Mr Millar: “ That is so, but I want the Commission to say whether their work is done economically at Addington.”

The Minister was questioned regarding his apparent desire to control the witnesses, who could give evidence before the Commission, and explained that his direction regarding written authority for persons to appear before the Commission applied to those who were to represent any of the parties as advocates. The direction had absolutely nothing to do with witnesses. All the railway men may give evidence, he added, and there is actually an advertisement appearing in the Southern newspapers inviting them to do so.