"SEDDON VOUCHER" INQUIRY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7913, 31 August 1905, Page 3

"SEDDON VOUCHER" INQUIRY

AUDIIOR-GEHERAL'S REPORT.

"HO SUCH PAYMENT EVER MADE."

Mr Taylor Wants a Pnblic Inquiry

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 30. In the House ol Representatives this afternoon, Mr Speaker read the following report by the Auditor-Gen-eral, on the inquiry into the alleged "Scddon voucher"

That during the whole of Captain Seddon's employment in the public service, no voucher was ever issued and passed through the Treasury for any payment to him for the organisation or re-organisation ot defence stores. That no such voucher exists, and that no such payment was ever made." Mr Seddon moved that the report ant) evidence do lie on the table and lie printed, and that consideration of the same be fixed iur the next sitting day. Mr Taylor gave notice to move the following amendment"ln view ol the failure of the private inquiry held by the Auditor-General under the restricted order of reference designed by the Premier to discover the voucher which Messrs Larcombe, West, Willis and Lumion (four experienced and reputable (Civil servants in the Ohristchurch Post Office) swear. they handled, examined, and discovered, this House is of opinion that the present unsatisfactory position of the question in dispute should be met by the appointment of a public inquiry with full power to investigate, calf for evidence ugon oath, order the production of persons and papers and the parties concerned, or permit counsel [representing them to appear."

Mr Seddon's motion was agreed to on the voices.