COAL CONTRACTS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 261, 4 August 1928, Page 9

COAL CONTRACTS

FURTHER CHARGES OF GRAFT IN SYDNEY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ALLEGATIONS AGAINST FORMER ALDERMEN (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Rec. August 3, 8.40 p.m.) Sydney, August 3. The civic coal contracts inquiry has begun before Judge Thomson, . Royal Commissioner. Mr. Shand, K.C., who is assisting the Commissioner, outlined the proposed evidence. He said that testimony would be produced to show that payments were made to various persons to influence the placing of contracts for the supply of coal. One firm, Byrnes Limited, supplied coal for several years, and counsel alleged that the council officers received moneys which had not been traced since. One alderman, since deceased, was alleged t have suggested the raising of the price of coal in a time of stress, the difference to be divided between certain aldermen. Mr. Shand declared that he would prove payments of £l2OO to Woof,- a former nower-house superintendent, £2OO to Maling. £5OO to exAldermen Stokes and Holdsworth, and £2OO to ex-Aldermen Farrell and Braniston. Inspector Mackay gave evidence of conversations with Maling. who had admitted that £2OO had reached him. but he did not use it. but gave it to a man who was always borrowing money. The case adjourned till August 13. HOSPITAL COOK FINED BRIBE IN CONNECTION - WITH MEAT SUPPLY (Rec.. August 3, 11.40 p.m.) Sydney, August 3. Henry Elliott, employed as a cook at Lidcombe Hospital, was fined £5O. in default six months’ imprisonment, for accepting a bribe of £5 in connection with a contract for the supply of meat to the hospital.