The Banking Inquiry.

Hastings Standard, Issue 104, 26 August 1896, Page 2

The Banking Inquiry.

PLAIN SPEAKING

[By Telegraph.}

(From our Sjiecial Correspondent.) Wellington, This day. At to-day's Banking Committee the Minister of Lands said he meant to indulge in some plain speaking. He then proceeded to say that Mr George Hutchison was appearing before the Committee as prosecutor on behalf of the Opposition, and as an advocate of some of the directors and of officers of the Bank of New Zealand, who had during the recess fed political opponents of the Government with poison to bring about the downfall of the Ministry. He made that declaration solemnly. The officers and directors of the Bank of New Zealand were making a catspaw of Mr Ward, and using his misfortunes to endeavor to get the Government out of office and bring about the downfall of the Liberal party. The Bank of New Zealand would never be a success, and he believed it would have to be liquidated and cleared up because it was being used by political parties to bring about the downfall of the Government. What he had stated would be borne out by-and-bye by facts. Mr Hutchison characterised as base calumny the statement that he was the advocate of the directors or officers of the Bank of New Zealand. The fullest investigation into Mr J. G. W'ard's accounts would beget the confidence of the country. The Premier said the member for Patea has sworn a vendetta against the ex-Treasurer, but till absolute and clear proof was afforded of writings off he (Mr Seddon) should do his best to stop the slight enquiry into private accounts.