BUDGET LEAKAGE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12867, 22 May 1936, Page 2

BUDGET LEAKAGE

AIR THOMAS'S STO’tJT DENIALS h. . «*. I VAGUE rumors and tips .‘‘CRUEL AND WICKED” < U .P.Av by Elect Tel. C-wj.vnght), LONDON, May 20. To-day marked tho conclusion of the* hearing of evidence by the judicial tribunal which lias been inquiring into the alleged leakage of Budget information.

When .the hearing was resumed today the Colonial. Secretary, Mr J. H. Thomas, unexpectedly re-entered the witness-bori at his ’ own request. 'He emphatically denied that be had seen or heard, prior to the present proceedings, of the financier, Mr Vergfittis, who was alleged to have told one of tho witnesses' at the inquiry, Dr. Reginald Hearn, that he had the means of getting hold of information from a member of the Cabinet, and to have also mentioned the name of Mr Thomas.

Likewise, continued Mr Thomas, he did not know Dr. Hearn. HAL) NEWER MET' MR THOMAS y Mr 'Vergottis was recalled. He denied having mentioned the Budget as Dr. Hearn had alleged. He added “It is a pure fabrication, and lias no other reason than that Dr. Hearn fancies lip has a grievance against me.” Cross-examined, Mr Vergottis • said lie had not met Mr Thomas! iirhis life. Air Morris, counsel lor Mr Thomas, addressing the tribunal, said that no witness had suggested that Air Thomas had given information to Sir Alfred Butt. Air Alfred Bates had denied it.

Overmuch had been’made of the action of Sir Alfred in insuring one Way and then insuring the other, continued counsel. “A real gambler changes his mind quickly on any information.” “What was wonderful in the bet when it was a matter of common knowledge that the Chancellor would have to find vast sums of money? L ask the tribunal to say that Air Leslie Thomas was as completely innocent as his father. If Air Leslie Thomas had information, it is impossible to conceive anything more clumsy than that ho should deal with this business.

FANTASTIC CLAIM

■ “Tho evidence shows how vague rumor and tips do incalculable harm. The suggestion that, a half-commis-sion man gelt inforin'ation from a friend, whose client was a friend of Mr Thomas, is cruel and wicked. Itwould help tho tribunal if the evidence suggested knowledge that the income tax was being increased by 3d, but there was no evidence that Air Bates. Mr Eyes, Shy Alfred .Butt, or Air Leslie Thomas mentioned 3d to anyone.”

“There may be times in the life of any man when fate seems cruelly against him,-” continued counsel. “At such times a man is entitled to say to the world: ‘I give you my word that 1 did not do this thing. You must believe me.’

“I Invite the tribunal to say firmly that it lias been proved that Air Thomas at no time made any sort of disclosure to anyone. The suggestion that Sir Alfred Butt asked what was in the Budget and that Air Thomas told him of a rise in income tax and tea is fantastic.

“ENQUIRY SHO.UT.iD STOP”

“Air Thomas, with a great and honorable record of public service, is not tho man'to do that. The wost construction should not be placed on circumstances'if they permit- of an innocent explanation, especially when two public men have denied on oath that anything improper occurred.'’ Mr Monklori, on behalf of Air Bates submitted that if it were established 'that nothing improper passed from Air Thomas to Air Bates or Sir Alfred Butt, then tho inquiry should slop, since there was no suggestion that int'd'rtiatiun had escaped from other Sources. *

“If Mr Bates received information from Air Thomas, why should he do business ill rough Air Thomas’ son in bis own* name?” asked Air Monkton. “It is not credible that such a weal--I,bv man should risk the reputation o. his own friends and also a friendship of 20 years’ standing lor the sake of less than £30,000.” Air Walter I'rampUm submitted that Air Kenneth Butt’s statement contained “half truths.” It was unjust to suggest that Sir Alfred Butt was seeking to eoriceal* anything from tho tribunal.

Air Frederick Van .'Dev Berg, on behalf of Lloyd’s, stated that, the underwriters had ‘settled' all'claims. Hie commiUeo was only actuated .by a sense, of public duty in conveying the in formation .to tho Government tribunal.

Tim inquiry closed,, and the tribunal will submit a report, to. the' Home Secretary. LONDON. May bi. , The London Herald says that . Kenneth Butt has design, d i'i'oui his firm.

LABOR .DEMANDS. INQUIRY, -U.P.A. by Eloe. Tel. C^pyHjJitl. (Received May 21, Vl.fi p.ni.j LONDON. May 21, Whatever the findings, Labour member j intend to demand that a debate follow the Bridget'-, inquiry, says the Daily Telcgrap.iV pMitieaU correspondent, they' contend- ihtit the nature of the evidence vend.'rs: it imperative; that Parliament ’express an opinion on the whole matter.