SEDDON MEMORIAL COLLEGE

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 313, 30 September 1926, Page 12

SEDDON MEMORIAL COLLEGE

CHARGES AGAINST BOARD AND DIRECTOR MR. LAING WISHES TO WITHDRAW By Tj; .egkafi'..—PkEss AssociationAuckland, September 29. The inquiry regarding serious allegations in connection with the beddon Memorial College was continued to-day before Mr. Salmon, S.M., Commissioner. Mr. L. P. Leary represented the director of the college (Mr. G. J. Park), Mr. R. T. Towle appeared for the board of managers, and Mr. J. I - Finlqx for G. Laing, formerly engineering instructor at the college. After the luncheon adjournment Mr. Finlav, addressing the Commissioner, said that Laing had nothing to gain either from the proceedings of the Commission or from its findings; nevertheless, he might find himself fathering what was in effect litigation and be held responsible for a considerable stun in costs. He was only a tradesman, and whatever equity he had in his home was at stake. Laing had given the only evidence it was m his power to give, and that evidence gave scope for the’holding of a further inquiry within the walls of the college. Counsel proposed to the Commissioner that he and his client should be allowed to withdraw from the proceedings, but to re-enter when- Park gave evidence in replv to- Laing’s charges against himself. Mr. Finlay explained that lie suggested this only for economic reasons. . 'Towle pointed out that Laing, had started the whole affair, and had stated that lie took full responsibility for everything. He now wished to withdraw, but lie did not withdraw Ins charges against Park or the board. Matters could not be left at that. Ihe charges must be cleared up. Laing could not avoid responsibility by withdrawing at the present juncture. , Mr Learv fullv endorsed Mr. lowles remarks. Mr. Finlay’s application, he said, was irregular, to say the very least'about it. Laing had pursued the matter for more than a year. He Had made wide and embracing charges, some of which concerned other people’s concerns, and these charges had been well advertised throughout the countrv. When it came to the point at which he saw that his charges' could not bq. substantiated lie wished to withdraw and then resume when 1 ark gave evidence. This was the culmination of persecution which he had directed against Park for years. The Commissioner invited counsel to confer with him privately, saying that he had a course of procedure to propose. On resuming it was announced that the sitting 'would be adjourned until to-morrow. [No report of yesterday morning s proceedings before the Commission. has been supplied by the Press Association.]