BRIBERY CHARGE

Evening Star, Issue 20055, 21 December 1928, Page 7

BRIBERY CHARGE

CASE AGAINST BUS PROPRIETOR MONEY GIVEN TO OFFICIAL. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, December 21. (Received December 21, at 12.45 p.m.) The hearing has begun of the charge of bribery against Michael. Fitzgibbons, omnibus proprietor. The Chief Secretary (Mr Bruntuell) related that Major Jarvie, a fellow member of Parliament, brought him a gift of pipes, to which was attached an envelope containing two £IOO notes. Fitzgibbons was an applicant for a'bus route, which required Mr Bmntncll’s official sanction, for which Fitzgibbons had a rival named M'Nichol, Mr Bruntnell refused the gifts, and interviewed Major Jarvie, who said that ho did not know that the £2OO accompanied the pipes. Detective Morgan interviewed Major Jarvie last Saturday, and said to him: “ I hear an ugly rumour about you getting £3OO out of this transaction.” Major Jarvie replied: “It is not correct. ’I am an honourable man. I know 1 look foolish in the eyes of the public, but 1 did not know that the £2OO was in the envelope with the pipes.” A statement was also obtained from Fitzgibbons, who declared that tho pipes were a present From Mr Bruutliell as a mark of appreciation for’.tho time andmttention he had given to the bus route application, hut the £2OO was intended for the National Parly’s funds. Milton Jarvie gave evidence that ho was with Fitzgibbons when the pipes wore (brought. He saw nothing improper in a gift of pipes to a Minister from one of his constituents, but ho had no idea that £2OO went with the pipes. The hearing was adjourned. [A message received on December 13 stated: At the Centra^Summons Court to-day Michael Fitzgibbons, omnibus proprietor, was charged with having attempted to bribe the Chief Secretary (Mr Bruntnclil with £2OO- to recommend an extra hns route between Campsie Suburb and the. Central railway station,] _ - \