MAORI AFFAIRS

Evening Star, Issue 21718, 12 May 1934, Page 13

MAORI AFFAIRS

EVIDENCE BEFORE COMMISSION DISHONESTY SUGGESTION WITHDRAWN [Pee United Peess Association.] ROTORUA, May 11.The Maori Affairs Commission saH again in the afternoon. Making application to appear on bohalf of H. Tai Mitchell, Mr M. H. Hampson said' that very grave allogations had been made in the audit officer’s report regarding his client, ana statements to this effect had appeared in the Press. Mr Mitchell could make a very full - and conclusive answer to these charges, and it was hut common justice that he should he heard as early, as possible. . ’ > Permission was given to Mr Hampson to appear. ‘ Mr Findlay said that he understood that certain allegations made by the Audit Office would uot be proceeded with. The charges were very grave . indeed, and it was significant that they were not to be proceeded with.,, Mitchell could, refute them entirely, and should be given an earlier opportunity to do so. . Mr Quilliam said that since the matter had been raised he considered it his duty to say that the charges of dishonesty made could not be substantiated. The audit report was based on a number of irregularities, but an explanation had been offered which was ■ consistent with innocence. For that reason he considered it would be fairer not to proceed with that section of the report. Strong criticism of the accountancy methods employed by the Waiariki ■, District Maori Land Board in. adminis- ’ tering Native land development schemes in the Rotorua district wjs expressed by Joseph Austin Petre, an audit inspector, who gave evidence m the afternoon. 1