COAL CONTRACT INQUIRY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13468, 16 December 1905, Page 7

COAL CONTRACT INQUIRY.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. SYDN'IiT, December 15.

(Received Dec. 15, at 10.20 a.m.)

The Railway Commission has taken lengthy evidence for and against the contention that coal from outside ports, which was offered at a considerably lower price, was as good as that supplied by the Lithgow Coal Association.

A number of witnesses, including some railway engine firemen, favoured the outside coal.

(Received Dec. 15, at 11.5 p.m.)

At the sitting of the Railway Commission to-day Mr Thow, mechanical engineer for railways was called. Before he was examined Mr Holniiin, a- member of tho Assembly, asked to be allowed to make a statement. He said ho had made a statement in the Assembly which further knowledge had shown him to be of. an exceedingly regrettable character. He deeply regretted his action, and he wished to take advantage of the opportunity to make reparation as far as possible. In Parliament he had done Mr Thow a deep injury. Mr Thow, who was then examined, denied that he or his officers had directly or indirectly ever taken a, bribe from the representative of any colliery with whom the Eaihvay Commissioners had dealt. He was not in any way interested in any of the Lithgow collieries. Ho gave evidence that the acceptance of the coal tenders for railways was based upon tests, which proved that the coal from the Lithgow Association collieries was better suited for steaming purposes than other coal.

(Received Dec. 16, at 1.5 a.m.)

At tlie Railway Commission Mr Holman. M.L.A,. stated that Ilie whole course of flie inquiry satisfied him that no suspicion could rest- on the integrity of Mr Thow, the mechanical engineer of railways.