THE PETROL SCANDAL.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15561, 10 April 1916, Page 8

THE PETROL SCANDAL.

"MY WORD. THEY ARE HOT!"

(By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.)

SYDNEY, April 8

Before the Petrol Commission, Mr AVaxman gave evidence that when the papers referring to the case were shown to Mr Hall, the latter exclaimed, "My word, they are hot!"

Cross-examined, Mr Waxman said the whole matter had been placed in his hands to use his unfettered discretion. He knew Mr Wagstaffe wanted to break up the petrol scheme. Mr Hall told him that tile nationalisation scheme had been killed. He regarded that as a very good achievement, but still merely incidental to his duty as a citizen in disclosing the scheme.

Mr Black gave evidence that when lie was discussing the scheme with Morthe latter said there would be an amount to go on for the Minister, and that perhaps there would b$ moro than one Minister in it. Mr Black pointed out that if the ' company wanted '£90,000 for plant, there would be £3000 commission for Morgan, and i £15,000 for the Minister, or £108,000 altogether. Morgan replied that that was'right. He then asked where Reed came in. Morgan replied: "He does not expect, and will not take anything." Morgan pointed out that as_ a couple of _ schemes were going before the Minister, ho would have to care for the disappointed Ministers,'as only one scheme cotild get through, and when it got before the House there were members whose support would probably have to bo bought. Morgan thought that when the scheme went through. Reed might be made president. Morgan vice-presi-dent, and Mr Black superintendent.