CAMPAIGN GIFTS?

Evening Star, Issue 20020, 10 November 1928, Page 6

CAMPAIGN GIFTS?

MR FLETCHER REITERATES CHARGES SALARY INCREASES TO CIVIL SERVANTS {.Special »o the ‘ Star.’] AUCKLAND, November 10. , Further reference was made by Mr J. S. Fletcher (the United candidate for Grey Lynn) last evening to charges of political bribery against the Government. Ho affirmed that ho had actual proof than the salaries of certain Civil servants were raised a few days ago, and ho offered to give the details of individual cases to any bona lido inquirer. Ho resented the suggestion that lie had formulated rash charges on no evidence. When told that certain Civil servants’ salaries had been raised lie refused to take cognisance of the information until ho was supplied with the names and addresses of some of those concerned.

“This evidence was supplied to me,” said Mr Fletcher, “ and here it is, with five names and addresses. I extend an offer to any person in this audience to look them over, and it will be found that my statement is true.” The candidate put the papers cn the chairman’s table.

“ Does that prove or deny my charge that some increases have been granted'!'” lie asked. “1 say it proves it up to the hilt. If some Civil servants are getting these increases it is a fair inference that others have been getting them, too. That is a grossly unfair thing to do during an election campaign. It is an injustice to other members of the service, because if one man has his salary increased from the beginning of the year others have the right to draw attention to it; but if an increase is granted in the middle of the year, as has been done in this case, other members have no redress.” Referring to previous criticism of the Government for placing orders on the eve of tlio election with Price Bros. (Thames) for two locomotives. Mr Fletcher referred to the statement made by Mr Coates last month to the effect that orders for the loraotives would ho placed with a. firm “ when the plans are completed.” How did this tally with the explanation now made by tlio Prime Minister—that the arrangements for the construction of the locomotives were maclo_ eighteen months ago, when at that time the plans had not been completed?