RECENT INQUIRY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10030, 2 July 1910, Page 7

RECENT INQUIRY.

COMMISSIONER OF TAXES.

PREMIER PROMISES FULL STATEMENT.

Mr Massey asked in the House of Representatives why no information regarding the recent trouble in the Land and Income lax Department had been placed before Parliament by the Government. It was not fair to the House nor to the country. What had happened in connection with this very important department had caused, and was still causing, a feeling of unrest and suspicion that should be allayed. "And there is only one way to do it," added the Leader of tho Opposition, "and that is to tell tha truth, about jjthe irregularities. Anything would be better than the present state of feeling, not only in Wellington, but throughout the colony." At an early hour this morning the Prime Minister made [a brief refer-, ence to the matter. He promised to make a full statement of the position co the House at an early date—(Hear, hear)—but would certainly not disclose any information bearing

upon the private business of taxpayers in so doing. "You are not asked to do so," said Mr Kuchanan.

"I'm very glad to hear you say it," continued the Prime Minister, that"what°,ver might be the matter, private business would not be referred to publicly.

"Will you us the report of ihe Commissioners?" inquired Mr Massey.

The Prime Minisfer sail that it would be highly imptoper to make public in this way any such private and personal information. He woulj, however, place before the House full information relating to the retirement of the two officers of the department, and when he was done members would be able to see without difficulty why the services of tnose officers were dispensed with. But whatever rumour miuht be in circulation as to transactions with private people, he would not commit a breach of his duty. The position of the Government would, however, be put quite clearly.