BRIBERY INQUIRY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29390, 17 December 1960, Page 10

BRIBERY INQUIRY

Refusal To Name News Sources (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) PERTH, December 15. The Royal Commissioner investigating betting bribery allegations ordered two Perth journalists today to answer questions about their news sources. The journalists refused —on the ground that it would be a breach of professional ethics—to name persons who had given information in confidence. The Commissioner (Mr W. J. Wallwork) ruled that the two journalists must give the names to his assistant (Mr A. J. Doddi and attend the hearing tomorrow. The journalists are Geoffrey Malcolm Paddick, employed by the “West Australian," and Leonard Joseph Owens, of the “Daily News.” Early in the hearing. Paddick gave evidence that he wrote an article, published on November 5. about an alleged bribe offer to the North Perth Parliament member. Mr R. O’Connor.

Today, for the second time, Paddick was asked to name the sources of his information. Paddick answered again: “It was confidential. My journalistic ethics don’t allow me to answer.” After Mr R. I. Ainslie. Q.C., for Paddick and Owens, objected, the Royal Commissioner said he would be prepared to accept a confidential submission. But it would have to be determined later whether the confidential information would be used in his final report.