STRUCK OFF THE ROLL.

Dunstan Times, 28 December 1900, Page 6

STRUCK OFF THE ROLL.

Mr F. G. Whitcombe, a solicitor, of Gerald ton (W.A.), and one of the members ■■of the Legislative Council for the Central Province, who is described as an ex - New Zealauder, was the cause of a sensation in the Westralian Parliament a few days ago. A vote which he had given in favor of the Hampton Plains Railway Bill, a private measure, was challenged on ihe ground that he was an interested persoD, and Mr Glowery moved that the vote be not counted. The mover stated that Mr Whitcombe had canvassed him in favor of the Bill, stating : "It is a personal m itter with me. I am up before the Barristers' Board, and if that Bill is passed the amount I am deficient in will be paid to me immediately after the fate of the Bill is known." Mr Whitcombe (says the Melbourne 'Argus' report) made a rambling speech, in which he virtually admitted the accusation, whereupon the motion was agreed to without a division. The Colonial Secretary subsequently gave notice to move that the charge made by Mr Glowery, together with the reply made by Mr Whicombe, be taken into consideration. Next day Mr Whitcombe was called upon at the Supreme Court to show eause why his name should not be struck off the bar risters>' roll for the misappropriation of clients' funds to the amount of £IOO. Mr Whitcombe appeared in his own defence, but the Court held that the charges were substantiated, and accordingly his name was ordered to be struck off the roll.