THE MOKAU ENQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 133, 23 October 1912, Page 5

THE MOKAU ENQUIRY.

By Telegraph—Prees Association. Wellington, Last Night. At the Mokau enquiry to-day Mr. C. H. Trcadwill, solicitor, who acted professionally for Mr. Joshua Jones, said that it would be incorrect to suggest that in argument before the full Court here no impropriety had been alleged on the part of Flower He did not understand Sir Joseph JYard.at a certain interview to make a bargain that the Government should acquirq tlia fee simple of the land. It _yas further stretching facts to say that any definite understanding was given. The stumbling block all through was the leases. If the freehold was acquired for £ISOO the leases would have to be taken compulsorily. ,

Mr. Jones asked witness several questions about Sir John Findlay's alleged refusal to give an enquiry, and the fact that the firm of Findlay and Dalziel were acting for Mr. Herman Lewis. Mr. Jones had never paid him sixpence in his life, but had given him a note of hand for £IOOO, which he (Mr. Trcadwill) was prepared to discount for a very liberal sum.

The chairman, the Hon. J. Rigg, rebuked Mr. Jones for his method of ques* tioning the witness. A slight scene followed, and Mr. Treadwill claimed the protection of the committee. Mr. Treadwill said that he had devoted years of his life and also money in trying to have. Mr. Jones's wrongs righted.

Mr. Jones refrained from asking further questions. The committee then adjourned till tomorrow.