Mr Fisher's Allegations.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 78956, 11 August 1905, Page 2

Mr Fisher's Allegations.

Treasuy Offlwrs uk for foqojiy. • Auditor-General to Itspert. (Pet Press Association.) _ WSHjLINOTON, Aug. 10. House met Mi's afternoon • . Heywood, (Secretary to the Trea S ur y)iMr ,r. j. Mr T pT 10 th ° IVcaSUry) ' nnd f/r., , i, W < Acti "S-Under Scoreary f o r Qe&noo), presented a petition of thf H^L rroniiCr thc BUb * ct of the p aymcnl of _ and £BO to Captain Seddbn for re-organising defence stores. The petitioners set out the facts relating to tho " Sneddon" voucher, and said they had satisfied themselves that no trace cf rny such payment could be found, us th?y hlave already certified, They regarded as a grave reflection on their i itegrity the statement that they could'not »>e expected to report''adversely to the Government, and at#*, ed that if any such payment had been made it ctauld not fail to b» discovored. They said the statement amounted to a charge of deljberwtt) dishonesty, and they therefore prayed that the Auditor-Geneijal bo directed to inquiro and report as to th«t act curacy Of their certificate. The Premier moved that the Auditor-General ■lie directed to make as inquiry, the investigation to qover tho whole period of Captain S<ctidon's connection with the Defence Department.: Speaking to the motion, he said that this course was taken in view at what might be Said in the future against Captain Seddon. If they could not trust tihoir hijgfsest officers all confidence was shaken, and it would be shaken unless thia matter was pursued further.

Mr Massey said ho was glad the Premier and his officers intended to take steps to meet the charges mode. Mr Fisher congratulated the Premier on taking what he believed to bo the proper course. A discussion, lasting nearly the wholo afternoon, took pl«co on an amendment by M» Buchanan to make tho inquiry cover "all payments" made to Captain Seddon, which was negatived by 43 to 23. Mr Seddon's motion was agreed to on the voices.