THE LAND SCANDALS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 179, 29 July 1905, Page 2

THE LAND SCANDALS.

FURTHER SENSATIONAL DE-

VELOPMENT.

WILLIS'S OFFERS TO RETURN.

Prew Association. Electric Telegraph Copyright, Received July 29, 7.30 a.m. Sydney, July 28. Another sensational development has occurred in connection with the Land Commission,. John Haynes, on oath, deposed that on the 13th Inst. W. B. Melville visited his office and asked him if he would stay his hand in regard to Willis. He urged that by issuing warrants against j Willis, Haynes hud gone far enough to vindicate his own character, and asked Haynes to withdraw further proceedings. Melville said he had the authority of Willis or Mrs Willis to make the offer, and mentioned a payment of £500. Asked for further proof of his authority, Melville next day produced a telegram from Perth signed by Willis, declaring he had been brutally treated, but if the venomous attacks should stop now he would not be found lacking in money matters. Haynes told Melville he was not satisfled as to his bona fides, and Melville promised to communicate with Willis again Haynes meanwhile communiI cated with the police, and when Melville next day came into the office a detective was hidden there, Melville produced another telegram from Willis, and subsequently a third, wherein Willis faithfully promised to keep the compact contained in the first ~! r when he returned to Sydney. The wires were addressed to Melville, who enjoined great secrecy.

Efforts made b? Haynes and the police to obtain the original telegrams have so far failed ; consequently no action has been taken.