QUEENSLAND NATIONAL BANK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 54, 5 March 1898, Page 5

QUEENSLAND NATIONAL BANK.

THE SCANDAL REVIVED.

FRIENDS FALL OUT.

SOME WARM CORRESPONDENCE

BRISBANE, March 4.

A very warm correspondence between Sir T. Mcllwraitli and Sir H. Nelson over the Queensland National Bank is published by Sir T. Mcllwraitli in the local press. Sir H. Nelson, in a letter to Sir T. Mcllwraitli, told him tlie Labour party were making capital out of the situation. Some Government supporters had also combined with them to make it appear that tlie delay in publishing the report of tbe committee of investigation arose from a desire of tlie Government to shield Sir T. Mcllwraitli. The Government had determined to do everything to secure him equitable treatment, but the partnership with Mr Drury considerably weakened Sir T. Mcl 1 wraith's position. Sir H. Nelson at first was disposed lo comply with the request that the committee of investigation should proceed to Europe to take Sir T. Mcllwraitli'.. evidence, but soon found the hitter's own friends were strongly of opinion that to do so would be fatally inimical to Sir T. McIlwraith's own interests; that moreover, the existence of the Government depended on the publication of the committee's report ; that in view of the whole position and paramount importance of the public compared with any other interest, he was Satisfied that- justice would he done by publication, he cabled Sir T. Mcliwraith, advising him to resign. His own opinion was that if the press ceased stirring up the matter, the whole affair won Id quickly drop into oblivion. Sir T. Mcllwraitli* forwarded a hostile reply. In this he considered Sir 11. Nelson's delay in writing on the subject was the grossest and most criminal neglect of a colleague, and that as the committee intended making charges, he demanded to lie heard before the report was published. Sir H. Nelson faithfully promised a full opportunity to reply on the charges, and also promised to cable those charges, but never did so. He therefore asserted that Sir 11. Nelson, the Minister, the House, and the press had passed judgment with a ferocity unparalleled even in colonial warfare. In another letter, commenting on Sir 11. Nelson's failure to cable the charges, Sir T. Mcllwraitli says: "Cod deliver me from friends if they arc of your kind."

BRISBANE, this day

Sir T. Mcllwraitli, in his letter to Sir IL Nelson, goes on to explain that on October 20th he received a letter from the Bank Committee giving him an opportunity to add or detract from the evidence given by his solicitor, but a copy of the letters and evidence was not sent, though he cabled for it. He complains bitterly that he was condemned before he had heard the charges against him or been all'ordcd an opportunity to explain. He characterises Sir H. Nelson's actio in allowing tlie publication of the C mi..', tee's report without hearing evidence <_._ having a striking resemblance to that of Sir IT. Nelson's historical prototypes, who delivered their teachers to tlie wolves, His solicitor was not conversant with his ail'airs, and had only a vague idea of the many subjects which hewas examined upon. Sir T. Mcllwraitli then goes fully into charges against himself. He denies that any of the accounts in .which Drury was connected with him were established whilst he Avasa member of the Government or even of the Legislative Assembly, and <nves a general denial of his liability. In conclusion, he says, " You have shown by your letter to me that you have neglected 'the plain duty you owe your colleague and the country in listening and being'weiglited by a whispering crowd of dissatisfied self - seeking supporters, who prefer pouring their wishes info your private car to boldly expressing them in Parliament. When my afl'.iirs were brought before Parliament I was represented, on your authority, as enjoying the most perfect health, in fact, luxuriating on the Continent. 1 can fancy, after such information, that many men otherwise well-disposed, may have pictured me as snapping my lingers at the Committee and bidding defiance to those legitimately entitled to criticise my action. You saw the effect such statements had, you know the effect that repetition of them constantly in the press and outside was having against me, and, although you were the originator of the statement, you have sat quietly up to the present time without saying a single word to put my real position in the right view. When you left me at Wilbad, I had reason "to expect justice at least. I little expected from your calumny and hypocrisy, which led you to plead my bad health aiid poverty to men whom I would never ask grace. A manly statement of the truth as you found it would have been much better, than putting me in the humiliating position you did when you condescended to be playful, picturing yourself decorated as a sacrifice to the gods. You will be disappointed in wishing that the Avhole matter may be buried in oblivion as long as I have a clear head to defend myself. You say in conclusion that you understand,my solicitor had to telegraph, advisising me tender my resignation. He did not do so, nor have yon the slightest authority for making such a statement. He is too much of a man for you even to have dared to make such a suggestion to him." The publication of the correspondence has caused considerable sensation. Sir T. Mcllwraith's attitude towards Sir H. Nelson is most unexpected, as they had hitherto always been staunch friends.