THE GOVERNMENT PRICING OFFICE INQUIRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10133, 16 May 1896, Page 5

THE GOVERNMENT PRICING OFFICE INQUIRY.

[IT MLI(}IUPU*~FBEB3 ASSOCIATION.] WblliKqtoNi Fridays A DMOtAtion from the employees of the

Government Printing Office waited on Mr. Hall-Jones to-night, to ask for clemency for the three men who had recently been

discharged from the office, and also to petition the Cabinet, through the Minister, on their behalf. The petition Was signed by 138 out of 170 employees. The deputation stated thai the companionship held themselves responsible for the position occupied by these men, who were promised protection by Sir P. Buokley, unless the charges were found tf> be frivolous. ' The Minister said he was not going into the report of the Commission, but he would say this much, that there Were 43 charges made under 16 different headings. Ten of these charges were abandoned, 30 were not Sustained, and and the three remaining chargos, all of an unimportant nature, were only partially proved. The Commission Was unanimous, and the facts disclosed that a raoßb undesirable state of affairs had existed in the office which must not be* allowed to exist, as it was subversive of discipline, and While he had control discipline should be maintained. When the report was published ho was sure they would say ho had taken the right course. He would, however, lay the matter before the Cabinet.