The Daily News. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1905. THE PHANTOM VOUCHER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7914, 1 September 1905, Page 2

The Daily News. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1905. THE PHANTOM VOUCHER.

Tho report of the Auditor-General on tho result of his inquiry into the alleged "Scddon voucher" was, as anticipated, a complete refutation of Mr Fisher's charges against the Government. Xo reasonable person ex-

pected any other result than the official declaration that during the whole period of Captain Seddon's employment in the public service no payment was ever made to him for

the organisation or re-organisalit of the defence stores, and no vo

chcr was ever issued and passed through the Treasury as alleged In the debate which took place in the House when the inquiry was demanded, Mr Fisher took up the attitude that he was acting in the interests of the puhfic, and while asking for an inquiry into the matter by some of the Judges of the Supreme Court, he remarked that if the Premier and the Treasury ofliri als were not aware of the voucher, it showed "that there was a bigger swindle going on than the Mouse was aware of." At the same time he in-

timated that if he was in 111.' wrong he would give all the apology ami reparation possible, "but until he was proved to bo wrong he would believe the voucher to be in exist

ence, and was being covered up." In appointing the Auditor-General 1o make the inquiry instead of a Com mission consisting of Supreme Court .Judges, the House showed its wisdom ami common sense. There was no point of law involved, and no

question of the acceptance or rejection of evidence. The onlj issue was as to the existence of an alleged voucher, or any record of its having passed through the Ticasury and payment made. The most titling person to make an investigation of

this kind was surely an expert of high standing and integrity such as the Auditor-General. Not only would his official knowledge stand

him in good stead, but his intimate acquaintance with the Government system of accounts would pre-emin-ently qualify him above all others to arrive at the truth or falsity of the indictment fornuiatcd by Mr I'isher and his co-ad,iutors. There is not thu remotest possibility of his having conducted the inquiry other than in the strictest and most thorough manner, and though the result was practically a foregone conclusion the public may rely on the inquiry having been carried out with

a thoroughness worthy of the Commissioner. It would have been too much to expect that the result of the investigation would be satisfactory to the Young Liberal Party— I nothing short of the substantiation of their charges would convince them that the inquiry had been made on proper lines—and it is not surprising, therefore, to find that they have returned to the attack, Mr Taylor having tabled a motion which is in effect :—That as the "private." inquiry failed to Had a venlict against the Government, the House should order a public inquiry and thus give the accusers liberty to ransack the colony's financial records. The actual amount involved is seventy odd pounds, but of course there is a principle nl stake. The debate on the report is not to lie taken until after that on the Land Commission report, so that there is plenty of time for Mr Taylor to think the matter over. Were it not, for the manifest desire of the Young Liberal Party to harass the Government, and especially the Premier, the matter would soon bo settled, but as the land debate promises to assist Messrs I isli.-r and Company, there is everj prospect of the fiasco being prolonged, though the result cannot for u moment be in doubt. The desire to (lan,.i S ., the Government ii. the e\e.s of the electors la the clliei

ob.i.-et ~i ;i certain section of politician-.. The public are sick and tired of the "voucher" incident, and are nuiling impatiently for the withdrawal of the charges which have been proved to be groundless.