BRIBERY CHARGES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 165, 12 June 1928, Page 7

BRIBERY CHARGES.

CO AIAILSSION INQUIII ING. CANBERRA, June 11. The Royal Commission investigating Mr Lambert’s charges—that certain Federal members ot Parliament had been offered money to vacate their seats —has resumed. Air AVindeyer, counsel for Air Theodore, said that if the inquiry went beyond a certain, point he would advise hi.s client not to answer questions, and lie would raise tlie question of tho commission’s validity. Senator Walter Leslie Duncan was the first witness. He recounted remarks made by Air Coleman, in the course of which ho referred to monetary inducements being offered to members of the House of Representatives to resign. "Witness did not think Mr Coleman had any idea of injuring Air Theodore, nor did he understand that the money was to come from Air Theodore. Witness added that he saw nothing wrong in a member giving up his seat to suit party exigencies, if done in a proper manner. George Cnnn, a former member of the House of Representatives, gave evidence that Air Coleman told him an attractive offer was made by one Alahoncy on behalf of Air Theodore to enable the latter to secure a seat. Later, when witness was to be run by the Nationalists against Air Coleman, the latter said he would do his utmost to put dirt over him. Witness replied that all confidences were off, and he intended in future to speak the truth, no matter whom it hurt.