THE PETROL DEAL

Evening Star, Issue 16090, 15 April 1916, Page 8

THE PETROL DEAL

G OVERNMENT PRACTICES,

NEGATIVE EXTBAN.EOUS EYI

DEXGE

Tress Assacialion—By Telegraph—Copyright.

SYDNEY, April 14. Giving evidence before, the Boval Commission inquiring into the allegations concerning the negotiations for establishing a State monopoly in petrol, the manager of Norton Grihiths. examined regarding the alleged payment of commissions in connection with the contracts ior public works with the New South Wales Government, denied that any money had been paid or promised on behalf of the firm or ,riy Government officer or Minister.

Mr Hohuan, New South AA T >alos Pre. mier, gave evidence as to the Cabinet'? consideration of the oil scheme, and, detailed the events which led up to the appointment of the Commission. In reply to a. miestion, Mr Holman said he had no knowledge of anv wrong proceedings in connection with' the matter lie staled that when Mr Griffith was informed of the allegations ho showed the, natural indignation of a man accused of an atrocious thing. _ Begarding the allegation that the Ministry got £65,000 out of the Norton Griffiths contract., Mr Holman declared that there was not a tittle of truth in such a rumor. He had no suspicion that anv member of the Government or Parliament or any official was implicated in anv vav as suggested.