NEW SOUTH WALES LAND SCANDALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12931, 29 July 1905, Page 5

NEW SOUTH WALES LAND SCANDALS.

MR. WILLIS TO BE BROUGHT BACK. ANOTHER SENSATIONAL DISCLOSURE. By Telegraph press Association.—Copyright. Sydney, July 28. The Attorney-General (Mr. Wade) lias announced that tlxo Government intends to make an effort to bring'back Mr. W. N. Willis in connection with the Land Department scandals. ; It has been ascertained that the sum of £33,000 was paid to land agents in fees in the cases already investigated by the Commission.. (Rccived July 29, 1.0 a.m.) Sydney, July 28. There Is another sensational development in connection with the Lands Commission. | Mr. John Haynes, ex-M'.L.A., has deposed on oath that on the 13th inst, Mr. W. B. Melville visited his office and asked if he would stay his hand in regard to the arrest of Mr. Willis in West Australia. He urged that by issuing warrants against Willis, lie (Haynes) had gone far enough to vindicate his ; own character, and asked him to withdraw further proceedings. Melville said he had authority from Willis or Mrs. Willis, to make an offer, and mentioned the payment of £500. He .(Haynes) asked for further proofs of his authority. Melville next day produced a telegram from Perth, signed "Willis," declaring he had been brutally treated, but if the venomous attacks stopped lie, would not be found lacking in money, matters. He (Haynes) told Melville that he was not satisfied with the bona fides of the telegram, and • Melville promised to communicate with Willis again. Haynes meanwhile communicated with the police, and when Melville next day came to his 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 telegram when he returned to Sydney. The telegrams were addressed to Melville, who enjoined great secrecy. Efforts ; had been made by Haynes and the police to obtain the original telegrams, but :so far , they had Med; consequently no action had' been taken. . !

V •• J: Mr. Willis, ; who was . the chief "laid agent" in the transactions investigated, left the State, was arrested. recently in West Australia, but released. It is his intention to prooced to South Africa.