ALLEGED BRIBERY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 120, 23 May 1930, Page 9

ALLEGED BRIBERY

FEDERAL POLITICIANS

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

BROADCAST BUSINESS

United Press Association-By Electric Tele

srapb—Copyright.

CANBERRA, 22nd May.

Judge Dethridge, sitting as a Royal Commission, opened an inquiry into the allegation of attempted bribery involving members of the Federal Puolic Ac counts Committee, arising out of a claim by A class broadcasting tations for heavy compensation from the Commonwealth Government.

The chief witness was Roland Green, M.P. He gavo evidence that an unnamed man, describing himself as insuranco iispector, said to ■ him: I understand you are the only member of the committee standing out against the broadcasting-claim. Colcman earned his £000. Why be a darned fool and stand in your own light?" Mr. Green said that ho was approached also by Major W. J. Conder, formerly of the 3LO Station in Melbourne. Major Conder suggetsed that ho should accept £200 for dresses for his wife. Cross-examined, Mr. Green admitted that he had accepted free tickets for J C. Williamson's theatres. Tho Williamsons were interested in the compensation claim. Mr. Green admitted that he had been indiscreet in fratcrnis ing with Williamson's directors after the opening of the broadcasting claim. However, ho would not admit that he was throwing himself in Major Conder's way.

Senator J. B. Hayes, Senator Hoaro, Messrs. Chiefley, Gardner, and I'ates, M.P.'s, all members of the Public Accounts Committee, emphaticaly denied having • accepted bribes to influence their votes in favour of the broadcasting claim. Each agreed to produce his bank passbook. The inquiry wa» adjourned.