The Lands Scandal.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7819, 11 May 1905, Page 3

The Lands Scandal.

SECRET COMMISSIONS REVEALED. SYDNEY. May 10. Before the Lands Commission evidence was tendered by Mr Willis, an-ex-member of the Legislative Assembly. He said he was paid £tfoo on undertaking to secure the conversion of certain leases into improvement 1 "scs The Land Hoard l,lorkc\l ii. and the money was subsequently paid after an action at law. Another witness stated that £8715 'was pard in commissions in coimec tion with the re-purchase by the Government of the Myall Creek Estate, Mr Willis receiving a cheque for £4232.

(Received May 10. 9.51 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 30.

Mr Wil! is, examined as to his object in undertaking to have the leases converted, said it was hecause they were situated on arid districts. Though the land laws did not provide for tliis, he thought no reasonable Minister or Department would object to the method being adopted whereby people thereon were put into a financial and proper position. Until something like he proposed was done, the whole people would be hunted off the land. He explained that the heavy charges in this case were unique, as it would J have to be dragged through all tho Courts with jurisdiction over land ; still, if allowed to carry it through he believed he would have won. Ho emphatically denied that the Hon. J. Crick, lien Minister for Lands, was in any way interested in the matter. He hotly denounced the press. He had been (scandalously treated by scurrilous hounds.