Alleged Corruption.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 771, 4 December 1903, Page 5

Alleged Corruption.

■Serious Charges Against'..Poli-

ticians.

Per Press Association—Copyright) Received Dec. 4, at 10.16 a.m. MELBOURNE, Dec. 4.

Mr Mitchell, the member for Talbot has received a letter, enclosing a circular, making imputations alleging that bribery was practised by the 1.0. F. Insurance Society. It appeare that Dr. Montagu, representing the Society., had frequently pressed-Mr Peacock, when Premier, to appoint a Royal Commission to e»quire into the financigl stability of the Society.

Dr. Montagu wished to • bear the cost, but Mr Peacock refused, and when Mitchell was elected, Dr. Montagu offered him £50 towards his election expenses to secure his influence.

Mitchell refused, and Dr. Montagu then handed £50 to Mr Peacock and asked him to give it to MiMitchell. Mr Peacock demurred, knowing Mitchell would refuse, but finally he consented to offer the money, which was, refused.

The Premier said the House sympathised with the member in the foul and scandalous attack made on

In au interview, subsequently, Mr Peacock stated he had received a

fully paid-up life policy in the Society, and that was the * only interest he held in it. Mr Peacock mentioned the names of several Federal politicians who, also, had boon given paid-up policies.

Mr Turner, whose name was mentioned, said he had taken* 'jut a policy in the Society, and had paid six months premium in advance, and was paying on it ever since.