ARNOT WARNED HE WOULD BE CAUGHT SOONER OR LATER

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6630, 8 June 1928, Page 7

ARNOT WARNED HE WOULD BE CAUGHT SOONER OR LATER

Payment of Bribes to Have Tenders Accepted FURTHER EVIDENCE AT CIVIC AFFAIRS INQUIRY United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Thursday, 9.0 p.m. SYDNEY, Juno 7. At the Royal Commission inquiring into civic affairs Mr. John Carruthers, manufacturers ’ representative, gave evidence that in 1926 ho was assistant to Mr. A. J. Arnot, manager for Babcock and Wilcox. Witness said he one day received a telephone message from Sir James Murdoch, president of tho Civic Reform League, stating that he learned Bab cock’s were going to pay money to somebody in connection with the town hall. Sir James asked witness to warn Mr. Amot that If payment was made they would get Amot sooner or later, and It would be made

public. Sir James Murdoch gave evidence that he first learned about the allegations in connection with the Bunncrong contract from a man named Gibson. The latter said £15,000 was being offered by tbe International Combustion Company if they could secure the contract.

The secretary of the Civic Ecform Party had told witness that he learned Babcock and Wilcox had also offered tho Aldermen £12,000 if their tender was accepted. Witness then warned Carruthers they would prosecute the matter to the utmost if the bribe wore given.