THE CRISIS IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7251, 10 January 1889, Page 5

THE CRISIS IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

EXPECTED RESIGNATION OF THE PREMIER.

[PKR PR—3B ASSOCIATION.] Received January 10—v LSS a.m.

Ston-v, January 9,

In the House of Assembly this evening Mr Want, who brought the former charges against Mr Fehon, one of the Railway Commissioners, moved the adjournment of the House in order to complain of the manner in whioh the Government had conducted the inquiry. He contended that the inquiiy was not a proper one, and reiterated the charges made on the former occasion. He made a long statement of charges which he considered the Government should enquire into and explain. Mr Want made out a strong case, and influenced members of both sides of the House, who called on the Premier to explain, Sir Henry Parkes declined to do this, and left the Chamber during the discussion, and only returned as the division «aa being taken on Mr Want's motion for adjournment, which was carried by 37 to 23. Immediately the result was announoed Sir H. Parkes wired to his Excellency the Governor, who is on a visit to Mossville, asking him when he would return. It is believed in certain quarters the Premier courted defeat, as he is disgusted with the recent disclosures and intends to resign.

Mr Fehon was recently appointed one of the Assistant Railway Commissioners of New South Wales. The principal charges brought against _toi by Mr Want was that he was implicated in what are known as the " wool frauds," perpetrated by certain firms on the railway department in connection with the carriage of wool, and that he had been forced to resign his position on the Victorian Railways. The allegations were inquired into by the Government, and the accused Commissioner was informed by the Premier that the Government, considered that Mr Wanf s aspersions upon his character had been fully and satisfactorily met. This conclusion !was arrived at after a perusal of ..the letters of explanation and replies to inquiries. Mr' Want withdrew the assertion that Mr Fehon resigned his position in the Victorian railway service under' pressure, but he substantially adhered to what he said about Mr Fehon's connection with the wool business, and still maintained that a more trustworthy person might have been discovered to nil the responsible office of second Railway Commissioner. He also announced his Intention of again bringing the matter before Parliament, which he has now done with the result stated above.