PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 18, 15 July 1911, Page 5

PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS.

WIDESPREAD "GRAFT" IN SYDNEY. TWO OFFICIALS REMOVED. By Cable. —Press Association.-r-Copyright. Received 14, 10 p.m. London, July 14. The report of the Royal Commissioner appointed to investigate the system of contract work in connection with public works contracts shows the abundant necessity that existed for investigation. The report discloses that practices of a suspicious character had been in vogue in connection with the handling of Government orders. Although the commissioner found it impossible to secure proofs of bribes being given, he found abundant evidence that certain firms had been given preference. He reported, regretfully, that the evidence justified the suspicion that Cook, first-class assistant architect, and Raw, assistant engineer, had not conducted their work with clean hands. The evidence clearly showed they favored certain firms in giving orders. Mr. Griffiths, Minister for Works, said the report was of such a nature that the removal of the two officers mentioned from the public service was necessary. He added that the commission revealed a widespread system of secret commission in connection with public contracts, in which nearly all the big firms of Sydney were concerned. The extent to which it was practiced reduced it almost to a custom, only a few of the more honorable firms declining to participate.