WILLIS LAND SCANDAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1519, 29 July 1905, Page 2

WILLIS LAND SCANDAL.

SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. JOHN HAYNES ALLEGES ATTEMPT AT BRIBERY.

By telegraph, Press A'Ss’n, Copyright Received 1,5 a.m,, July 29. Sydney, July 28.

There hao been another sensational development at the Land Commission. John Haynes, on oath, deposed that on the 13th inslant W. B. Melville visited his office and asked if he would stay his hand in regard to Willis. He urged that by issuiog the warrants against Willis Haynos had gone far enough to vindicate his own oharaoter. He asked him to withdraw fnrthor proceedings. Melville said he had the authority of Willis, or Mrs Willis, to make au olfor, and mantioned payment of JJSOO. He asked for further proof of his authority. Melville next day produced a telegram from Perth, signed '* Willis,” declaring that he had been badly treated, but if the venomous attacks would stop now ho would not be found lacking in money matters. Haynes told Melville he was not satisfied with his bona fides, and Melville promised to communicate with Willis again. Haynes meanwhile communicated with the police, and when Melville next day came to tho office, a detective was hidden there. Melville produced another telegram from Willis, and subsequently a third, wherein Willis faithfully promised to keep tho compaot contained in tho first wire when he returned to Sydney. The wires wero addressed to Melville, who enjoined great secrecy. Efforts made by Haynes and the polico to obtain tho original telegrams had so far failed, and consequently no action was taken.