CHARGES AGAINST POST OFFICE OFFICIALS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 253, 23 October 1905, Page 2

CHARGES AGAINST POST OFFICE OFFICIALS.

FINDING OF THE COMMISSION. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The report of the Commission of Inquiry into charges against Christchurch post office officials has been presented to Parliament. The Commission finds that Mr. Willie committed a grave breach of regulation 44 (that no information may be given respecting letters, etc., which pass through the office) in giving Mr. Fisher the number and amount of a voucher; and, further, grave breaches in informing Mr. Fisher that such a voucher existed; also in delivering an affidavit to Mr. Fisher. Mr. Willis urged that he was ignorant of the regulation; also that he honestly believed an improper pa> ment had been made to Captain Seddon. The Commission considered that Willis wast he prime mover in the matter, and his offences were much more serious than those of the other officers. He also admitted giving other information regarding office matters. Regarding Mr. Larcombe, the report states that he committed a breach of regulation when he informed his wife that he had seen a Seddon voucher, and a further breach in signing an affidavit. The Commissioners say Mr. Larcombe acted unwittingly in giving information to his wife; and further, he said he had been influenced by dr. Willis in signing the affidavit. Regarding Mr. West, the report states that, he committed a breach of the same regulation by informing Messrs. Fisher and Taylor that a Seddon voucher had passed through the post office. Regarding Mr. London, the report says bis action in assenting to a telegram urging Mr. Taylor to press his charge did not amount to a breach of the fidelity regulations. The Commissioners suggest that the form of the fidelity regulations require amendment, and that an impression existing among some civil servants that they are entitled to obtain information should be removed. In reply to Mr Fisher, Sir Joseph Ward stated that no conclusion bad been come-to as to what action would be taken on the commission's report. Mr Taylor pointed out that the suspended officials had been six weeks without pay. He declared that politics entered the realm of the inquiry, and that the questions were more like an inquisition. He pointed out that the men were ignorant of some regulations which they had signed 18 fo 22 years ago. The findings of the commission seemed fair and reasonable. He hoped the action of the Government would be in accordance. Mr Bedford moved an amendment to the motion "that the report lay on the table, and that proceedings thereon be reported immediately." Mr Fisher argued that the men had not broken any regulation in connection with the post office. No treasury business was done when they entered the post office. He said he was pleasantly surprised ar' the impartial tone of the commissioners' report, but felt sure some of the questions put did not emanate from the commissioners. The officers had played their part in a big fight. The Premier said Messrs. Taylor's and Fisher's remarks were calculated to injure the men. The whole of the officers admitted a breach of the regu lations, but pleaded extenuation. The Government would deal with them, keeping in view the Supreme Court Commission remarks. The amendment was defeated on the voices, and the report was laid on the table.