NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMISSION

Evening Star, Issue 21719, 14 May 1934, Page 12

NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMISSION

OOVERHMEHT AUDITOR EXAMINED [Per United Press Association.] ROTORUA. May 14. The Native Affairs Commission resumed its sitting this morning, when Mr M. H. Hampson representing H. Tai Mitchell, proceeded to the crossexamination of Mr Petre, Government auditor, dealing principally with the Maketu properties. Witness said he did not know that the Arawa Trust Board houses were put on the Maketu scheme, nor did he know that stock belonging to the scheme grazed on the trust lands. He did not know before Mitchell's statement in February the arrangement for the expenditure of the Trust Board’s funds on Maketu, ami did not inquire from the Waiariki Board if such arrangement existed; but a detective made inquiries from the registrar on the subject. Witness realised that he made charges of corruption, and had believed he was correct. He had consulted inspector Frazer, of the Police Force, and was given to understand that the case could not be gone on with until the Native Minister had been consulted to see if he had authorised the .arrangement. The tiles had gone to 'Wellington for Sir A. Ngata’s perusal. When he (witness) returned he was told that 'the commissioner of police could get no satisfaction from the Minister, so ho felt constrained to put the matter before his chief. The Minister would not confirm or deny the arrangement. Mr Hampson intimated that he could produce documentary evidence of such authority, but witness declared that he had no-knowledge of such authority, and had no option but to report the matter. ~ , . ~ Mr Hampson said his authority was the Native Minister. Mr Quilliam: is there a written record? . , , , Mr Hampson: There is a statement by the Minister that he intended to spend the money, and it was the common purpose of the parties to so spend the money. , r - . Questions from Mr Quilham regaining the accounts followed. Witness was understood to say that his allegations applied to twenty-six sections. Evidence was also given by, John w. Scott, audit inspector, concerning the extravagances of the management.