ALLEGED BRIBERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21033, 23 May 1930, Page 9

ALLEGED BRIBERY

THE. BROADCASTING CLAIM,

EVIDENCE AT COMMISSION. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) CANBERRA, May 22. (Received May 22, at 11 p.m.) Mr Justice Dethridge, sitting as a Royal Commission, opened an inquiry into an allegation of attempted bribery involving members of the. Federal Public Works Committee, arising out of a’claim by A Class broadcasting stations for heavy compensation from the Commonwealth Government. The chief witness was Roland Green, M.P. He gave evidence that an unnamed man who described himself as an insurance inspector, said to hire.; “ I you are the only member of the committee standing out against the broadcasting claim. Coleman earned his £SOO. Why be a 1 darned fool and stand in your own light?” Witness said he also was approached by Major W, J. Conder, formerly of 3LO station in Melbourne, Major Cornier suggested that Green should accept £2OO for drosses for his wife! .Under cross-examination, witness ad 7 mitted that lie had accepted* free tickets for J. C. Williamson’s theatres and that Williamson’s wei-c interested in the compensation claim. Witness admitted that he had been indiscreet in ■ fraternising with Williamson’s directors after the opening of the broadcasting claim. However; he would not admit that he was throwing himself in Major Conder’s way. Senator J. B. Hayes, Senator. Hoare, and Messrs Chiefley, Gardner, and Yates, M,’sP., . all - members of the Public Accounts Committee, emphatically denied having accepted bribes to influence their votes in favour of the broadcasting claim. Each agreed-to produce his bank passbook. The inquiry was adjourned.