SECRET COMMISSION

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10287, 15 July 1911, Page 5

SECRET COMMISSION

CABLE NEWS

United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

NEW SOUTH WALES CONTRACTS.

ROYAL COMMISSIONER'S INVES-

TIGATIONS.

(Received Last Night, 10 o'clock.)

SYDNEY, Jnly 14

A report of the Royal Commissioner appointed to investigate the system of contract work in connection with public works contracts, shows that abundant necessity existed for the investigation. It discloses that practices.of a suspicious character have been in vogue in connection with the handling of Government orders. Although the Commissioner found it impossible to secure proof that bribes had been given, he found abundant evidence that certain firms had been given preference. He reported regretfully .that the evidence justified his suspicions*. A. Cook, a first class assistant architect, and RaAV, an assistant engineer, had not conducted their • work with a clean hand. The evidence clearly .showed that they favoured (certain firms in giving orders. Mr Griffith, Minister of Works, said tibat the report was such that the removing of the two officers mentioned from the public service was necessary. He added that the Commission revealed a widespread system of secret coimmission 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 honourable firms declined to participate.