THE GAOL INQUIRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 194, 16 August 1911, Page 5

THE GAOL INQUIRY.

COUNSEL THROWS UP BRLEF. AND INQUIRY ADJOURNS. The proceedings of the Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the charges made against a Mt. Eden gaol official, came to an abrupt halt yesterday afternoon, when Mr J. R. Lundon, leading counsel for the accused, as the result a disagreement with the presiding member of the Board, Mr (J. C. Kettle, S.M., intimated that he would retire from the •case. Mr Quartley was asked if he was prepared to continue the cross-examina-tion, but he said he was unable to do so. Thereupon the inquiry was adjourned until Saturday morning at 9.30. Interviewed by a "Star" reporter this morning, Mr Lundon said he was unable to give the actual position which culminated in his throwing up his brief, a* he was bound down to secrecy in regard to the inquiry. He felt at liberty, however, to say that he had been treated most unfairly, and that remarks had been made use of which compelled him to retire from the case. The Chairman of the Board, Mr C. C. Kettle, S.M., would not make any statement in regard to the matter, when seen this morning. The proceedings of the inquiry were in camera, he said, and, therefore, he was not at liberty to give any information. It is understood that the accused warder intends to apply to the Head of Inquiry to grant him permission to appear on his own behalf, if the Justice Department will withdraw its solicitors (Messrs. Mays and Haokett). and appoint someone from the Prisons Department to represent the Department. The warder has been put to such great expense to date that he does not see his way clear to engage fresh counsel. On these terms it is understood he will go on with the case, but if per-mlssion is not granted he will be compelled to resign, and will then hafe the whole business thrashed out in Parliament.