Capt. Jones' Certifloate.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIV, Issue 7496, 20 April 1899, Page 2

Capt. Jones' Certifloate.

(BY TELBGBAPII.) Wellington, April 20. After Mr Gully had oponed his caso, ho intimated that he intended to call tho Premier firat, as the defence had asked for fall presence, though he was not subpoenaed. There was some argument as to whether this could be done, but eventually it was admitted, in order to allow the Premier to get away to the West Ooasb, In answer to Mr Gully, Mr Soddon stated that, while acting aa Minister for Marino, an application by Captain Jonca for what was known as a service certificate had sevoral times come before him. It was referred to the Customs, and witness read a minute by Mr Glasgow, Secretary to tho Department, that the required service was not) proved, and that a certificate could not thorofore be issued. Witness minuted tho application accordingly. A further application was mado and a deputation waited on him who placed a number of documents and lotters, etc. before him, which cast a doubt in his mind as to whothor the mere absence of rocords in the Customs Department should prevent the issue of a certificate. He had no knowledge of any othor certificate till hla return from England. After hearing the deputation he asked Capt. Allman to look into the matter and see whether anything oould be done, but he did not know of his intention to apply for a full certificate. After his return from England, Captain Falrohlld spoke to him about the Jones case; but he did not even then know of tho examination. He only became aware of the position aftoc Mr J. Hutcheson's speeoh in tho House. Before leaving for Home he sent a telegram (on April 17) to the Hon. Hall-Jonos, Minister of Marine, respecting tho service certificate as follows :—" I should be glad if you would have tho question of issuing a certificate to Captain Jonea, of tho Duco, settled. From tho papers presented to me I am of opinion that he ia entitled to what he wants, and ia much more highly qualified than certain names mentioned. Captain Allman thinkß highly of him." Cross-examined, he said : This question of service certificate had been going on foe nearly two years, and a numbor of persona had interested themselves in tho matter. The position witness took up was that if Captain Jones cavo the requisite proof by affidavit, or otherwise, of service, he ought to have the certificate, being otherwise well qualified. There were some fresh papers submitted by the deputation, and they were sent on to Captain Allman. Witnesß either said or minuted, " Can nothing be done for Jones? " Captain Allman minuted an envelope that nothing eould be done, and all the papers were sent back to Jones. Those papers oonbained letters and other doouments bearing on the question of jones' service, but there were no affidavits, and up to the time he went away

Bo Terific*fcfon of tlw claim hid been submitted. Witnua said that farther proof would be required, but he never got it. He thought then, and still thought, that, if proof were given, Jones ought to get the service certificate, especially as the Nautical Adviser and men like Captain Fairchild ■poke so highly of him. The main point in doubt was the nature of the service Jones had undergone.