CHARGES OF GRAFT.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1920, Page 5

CHARGES OF GRAFT.

EVIDENCE AT INQUIRY. By Tuleeraph.—Press Assn—Copyriebt Sydney, Dec. 3. At the graft inquiry, Mrs. Gorgeson gave evidence that shfe had not given money to anybody to have the Wheat Commission stopped, nor had anybody made overtures to her. When her husband became ill all his papers were handed to his solicitor. In reply to a question, "Did she tell Mr. Cann the papers showed that £SOO had been paid by Talbot to a member of the Labor Party?" she replied: "I had no papers; this money was given after my husband became ill." She added that Talbot 'told her he gave £SOO, and she answered that she would not be a party to giving money in that way. She supposed Talbot gave the money because he wanted to make a donation.

Mr. Gorgeson's solicitor gave evidence that not a farthing during* the last three years had been paid improperly out of Gorgeson's account.

Mr. Cann (Minister of Works) gave evidence that Mrs. Gorgeson saw him and complained regarding ithe harsh terms which Mr. Storey (the Premier) was usrtig respecting her husband over the wheat inquiry. She alleged an understanding had been reached between Mr. Johnston and Mr. Dooley that £SOO should be given for election expenses on the understanding ithat Mr. Gorgeson should not be further proceeded against. She also stated that an undertaking had been given through a go-between that Mr. Storey would agree to this arrangement if Mr. Gorgeson were forced into the court. She intended to bring the matter before the commission, and would get a Nationalist member to move a motion of censure on the Government to bring the matter out. Mr. Oann said that he understood 'that £SOO was paid out of the Gorgcson-Talbot estate. Sydney, Dec. 3.

Mr. Johnston, giving evidence before the graft inquiry said that Talbot assisted him financially in his election campaigns. He acknowledged receiv ing £SOO from Talbot for personal elect/ion expenses, but denied any compact or arrangement as suggested with regard to other members of the party.