OPENED TO-DAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12631, 19 October 1905, Page 8

OPENED TO-DAY

Per Press Association,

WELLINGTON, October 18. Judges Denniston (chairman), EdTvards, and Cooper sat as a Commission Ttnis morning to inquire into the working of the Audit Department and other .matters.

The proceedings were merely formal. •On the oordear of (reference being read, Mr. Skerrett said Ihe was instructed to appear on behalf' of the Departments -affected, the Audit, Treasury, Post Office, and Defence. Dr Findlay appeared for Captain Seddon. Mr W. H. Convoy applied to be made 4a party to the inquiry on the ground that he had personal knowledge of the inefficiency of the Audit, and had suffered personally /by it. The Commission declined the 'application. Mr T. E- Taylor asked how the four suspended officiate stood with' .respect to the inquiry. The Commission decided "that at present, with the exoepfcion of Willis, these gentlemen did not seem to ibe parties. Willis could appear personally, or be represented by counsel. The others might be. required as witnesses.

* There was ja slight- discussion as to -expenses. The Bench saddithey could <not go into iifoat, just now. .Usually the party to the case had to pay his own expenses. ~ Those summoned is witnesses Tfere entitled to reasonable expenses.

.■; Mr T. E. Taylor' asked if .be could ■appear himself, as he believed he could "produce 'evideihTO\to.^s|i'(wf;..';^hat things -could happen fv^hichjthei;Audit DepartTnent could not possibly detect.

•'.. The Berodh. pointed; out that it was <*>pen to him to. appear as a, witness. I Mr F. M. Fisher, M.H.R., applied to Ibe made'a party, which .was agreed to. He then asked if the Commission had full powers to see every document there -was?

The Bench said they could hardly go Hut© that yet. The order of reference would speak for itself, and the party to I>he proceedings had the right to petruse ■"it.

The Commission then adjourned till when it is understood business will proceed at once.