THE EMERSON INQUIRY.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 210, 16 November 1897, Page 2

THE EMERSON INQUIRY.

(by telegraph—own correspondent). Auckland, Last Night.

At the Emerson Inquiry Inspector Emerson gave a detailed denial of the charges made against him by Mr Win. Cooper. He fnrther said : " Cooper and I were conversing together during the trip to Auckland. He did not indicate by his manner that he did not wish to speak to me, and did not make the sliglitest intimation that he intended to report me. The first intimation I got of any complaint was in August, three months later. I sent my reply to the complaint to the Commissioner of Police, and denied the charge H 3 I have done to day. In my letter to the Con>niiss'oner 1 asked for the names of the parties who made the complaints, so that I could take proceedings against them, but did not get the names until I came to Auckland. From August to 3rd November I heard nothing of the matter, but was then informed that a commission had been set up to enquire into the charges. I have never on any previous occasion since I went into any service been reprimanded for drinking. I suppose I could get seven thousand men in Nn pier to swear they have never seen me drunk.

Mr Tole read a letter which he had received from the Rev. Father Ahcrn, now at Pukekohe, in reply to a telegram from Messrs Tolc and Macalister. In his letter the Rev. Father said he had met Inspector Emerson at Cisborne at the Turanganui Hotel on May 2nd last, and as far as he could judge the Inspector was sober at the time.

Mr Kenny said that statement was not on oath. It should be sworn to before a Justice of the Peace at Pukekohe, and could then be included amongst the notes of evidence. Mr Tole said this would be done.

Mr llaseldeu asked as evidence as to character had been called for the defence, whether the other side could not call rebutting evidence. Mr Kenny said this could not be obtained, is it would be contrary to all judical procedure, and when a man's official life was at stake judical procedure should broadly be adhered to. The enquiry was then adjourned to Gisborne and Napier, where u number of witnesses have to be examined.