NEW SOUTH WALES LAND SCANDALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12955, 26 August 1905, Page 5

NEW SOUTH WALES LAND SCANDALS.

OPENING THE BOXES, "* THE MISSING ACCOUNT BOOKS. By Telegraph.— Association.—Copyright. Sydney, August 24. A witness who appeared before the Land Commission yesterday gave evidence that after long delay and two failures to obtain leases, he paid .Mi-. Willis £1000, and then got the land quickly. (Received August 25, 11.15 p.m.) Sydney, August 26. The. box of Mrs. Willis, which was kept at the Safe Deposit Company's vaults, in charge of (wo detectives was produced before the Lands Commission to-day, after strong protests by Mrs. Willis and her solicitor against private papers being overhauled and opened before the Commission. The box was found to contain a quantity of jewellery and plate, and a number of documents. The jewellery and plate were, handed back to Mrs. Willis. Tito Commissioner impounded the documents, and wilt privately peruse them. The much-expected books relating to Mr. Willis' business were not found. McNair and Hoskins were examined, and they stated they were unable to throw any light on the disappearance of the books. The accountant of the Safe Do-, posit Company deposed that the box was much lighter after they and Mrs. Willis had had it open just before Mr. Willis left Sydney. The box of Mr. Willis subsequently was brought from the Safe Deposit. It contained only heirlooms, in the shape of a, sovereign and a brooch. There was considerable excitement in Court while the boxes were, being opened.