THE PETROL SCANDAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1916, Page 5

THE PETROL SCANDAL.

"MY WORD, THEY ARE HOT 4" By Cable.—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, April 8. Mr. Waxman gave evidence that when the papers referring to the case were shown to Mr. Hall the latter exclaimed, "My word, they are hot!" Cross-examined, Mr. Waxinan said that the whole matter was placed in his hands to use according to his unfettered discretion. He knew that Wagstaffe, Melbourne manager for the company, wanted to break up the petrol scheme. Mr. Hall told him that the nationalisation scheme had been killed. He regarded that as a very good achievement, but still merely incidental to his duty as a citizen in disclosing the scheme.

Mr. Black, Sydney manager, gave evidence as to his discussing the scheme with Morgan, Mr. Griffith's agent. The latter said there would be an amount to go on for the Minister, perhaps more than one Minister in it.

Mr. Black pointed out that if the company wanted £90,000 for the plant there would be £3OOO commission for Morgan and £15,000 for the Minister, or £IB,OOO altogether. Morgan replied that Wright asked where Reed came in. Morgan replied: "He does not expect and will not take anything." Morgan pointed out that as a couple of schemes were going to the Minister he would have to :are for disappointed Ministers, as only one schema could get through, and when it got before the House there were members whose support would probably have to be bought. .Morgan thought that when the scheme was through Reed might be made president, Morgan vice-president, and Black superintendent.