Mr Fisher's Allegations.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7895, 10 August 1905, Page 2

Mr Fisher's Allegations.

Sworn Affidavits Handed In. I An Inquiry Refused. (Per Pyess. Association. )' WELLINGTON, Aug. 9. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, as soon as formal business was disposed of, Mr Fisher re a <« i letter which ho had sent to tho Speaker of the House that morning. In the course of the letter Mr Fisher •aid . In spite of documentary do- ?' alB ,/ r rom, om certai n public olHcers in ■eyi'd to the alleged payment to Captain feeddon. I repeat my conie"emS \ S " Ch paJ " n] * nt ' 0 s I h avo reie red to was made. I desire that ai r tb^ Cn h i, d a PP° int a tribunal tKat shall command pu|blic confidence with a view to decide the (meson in dispute. As justification fo» his ieque.|t| I.glafcc in, your hands, 0, .uiled envelope containing a number snoin affidavits from certain civil servants, who declare they can prpvo that a voucher was passed through tho Treasury for a payment to Cuptain Seddon for re-organising defence it ores. It intend asking for indemnity to any civil servants who shall a;ive evidence on this mbtter, and in the event of this being done I desire you to hand to the chairman of any tribunal appointed to deal with the matter tho affidavits now handed to yoU ' m °ved that the letter lio on the tabl* and I/e printed. Messrs TJaylior and Bedford so id °y had wen the affidavits, mid thev were perfectly genuine. Mr Stddon asked the House to reluso leave to lay the letter on tho table. Members, he said, should soo tho danger of making such n precedent. The contents of the staled pacKCt had not been disclosed, and there would be opportunity in the ordilipry course of business! for Messrs Fishei •"id Co. to ventilate their charges. As to tho proposod iriquiry, it was usual for the accuser-to state 'tho charges beforu-linqulry was held. TKat had not been none in tftia case. Tho course suggested was unfair, unjust, and improper. AJt a lengthy discussion, M( t usher s motion was lost by 46 to