IMPORTANT EVIDENCE BY THE MANAGER.

Evening Post, Volume LIV, Issue 20, 23 July 1897, Page 6

IMPORTANT EVIDENCE BY THE MANAGER.

DuNEDiif, This Day. Mr. Fisher, manager of the J. G. "Ward Association, was 'examined this morning. He denied the accuracy of the statement of the auditor (Mr. Hannah) that he took witness's word that the details for the balancesheet were correct, or that'heliad a good deal to do with' the audit. Had not the slightest recollection of ever having spoken to the auditor. Mr. Hannah was at liberty to hare challenged any items if he had chosen. Did not think there was any system of concealment by which the affairs of the company vt ere never brought before the shareholders or the directors. The operation of closing the freezing account .on, the 30th June, transferring it to Mr. Ward, and r>opening it on the Ist July, and thereby leaving it out ojt the balance-sheet, would, have the effect of keeping that inforuiatiou from the" directors, and they were not officially informed of the fact. Mr. Ward might have told them. Ie did not. strike him that there was concealment in. that, or in Mr. Ward's cheque for £21,000 being paid in on 30th June and handed back on Ist July. The vffect was to reduce Mr. Wiird's account, hut to correctly show the balance of the Association. - v Pressed by counsel as to the object of the Ciiequo being given the, witness said the bank could be asked about it. (Left sitting.)