PETROL MONOPOLY SCANDAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16667, 12 April 1916, Page 4

PETROL MONOPOLY SCANDAL

IMPORTANT WITNESSES ~ EXAMINED. MR MORGAN IN THE BOX. Press Association—By Telegra/ph—Copyright. SYDNEY, April 11. (Received April 11, at 10.15 p.m.) Mr Justice Pring to-day c'ratdnued his sittings as a Royal Commission inquiring into allegations of attempted "graft" in connection with the proposed State monopoly of petrol. Mr Reed (cross-examined) said he suggested buying out the British Imperial Oil Company, as it was a good business proposition. When the engagement of Mr Morgan was discussed, Mr Griffith said that whatever was done he wanted Mr Eeed to bo careful of anything leading to the idea of " graft." Witness was under the impression that Morgan looked |or an appointment if the negotiations were successful as his remuneration. Mr Morgan (exafnined) denied that in anything he had done in connection -with the scheme he had ever shared or agreed to share or give any money to the public, service or a member of Parliament, nor had he ever said anything about an amount having to go to a Minister or Ministers. He did mention £3000 for Ms own commission, as the Government was not paying him anything. He was abting merely as a broker.