GRAFT ALLEGATIONS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 June 1928, Page 3

GRAFT ALLEGATIONS.

AIONEY OFFEIRiED FOIR A SEAT

CHIAiRGESi BEING INVESTIGATED

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.)

SYDNEY, June 13. Before the Royal Commission inquiring into the Federal Parliament graft allegations,; Air William Henry Lambert, member for West Sydney, gave evidence that £BOOO was offered to him to give up has seat for 'Air E. G. Theodore. The qffer was made by Air Aliahoney in December, 1925. All* Lambert was cross-examined by counsel for All’ Theodore, and said that as far ais hie knew Air Theodore had never 'been identified) with any offer to witness, except on the word of Air. Mahoney. In reply to further questions witness said that when he made his statement he was acting under a sense of injustice because he had been jostled out of his West Sydney seat. Sydney Bird, secretary of the Australian Labour Party, recalled said that when Air Mahoney tendered hi* resignation ho was. called) into the room whore the Australian Labour Party executive was sitting, and then wrote out his unconditional resignation. No mention was made of Air Theodore. ■Mr Theodore announced that, acting on counsel’s advice, he had decided not to answer any questions in public as to his private affairs, but he would answer any questions ini camera as to Inis private affairs or any other matter.

in reply to a. question he said he would swear tlia none of his financial transaction's had anything to do: with Air Ahtilioney or with the .purchase of any Parliamentary seat. The only tfinan- ; oiaili transactions were £5 he gave to the ALilioncy testimonial fund, and £2OO he gave to Air Alaihioiiey for the same purpose. Witness added tliat beyond that statement he would answer no questions in public. J. Further recalled, Mr Mahoney said there had never been any agreement of any kind between himself and Alr.Theodore on the question of the former resigning.; and witness haid never approached Air Lambert on the question of the later resigning in favour of Mr Theodore.