AN EMPHATIC DENIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2325, 22 September 1898, Page 26

AN EMPHATIC DENIAL.

During his speech last night Mr Pirani quoted the evidence of Mr Northcroft before the Police Commission to show that political pressure had been exercised in connection with the Police Force. In reply to this, Mr Lawry stated that Mr Northcroft himself had endeavoured to make use of political influence to prevent his removal from Auckland to Wanganui, and had communicated with him (Mr Lawry) to use his influence to stop his removal. Mr Pirani telegraphed last night to Mr Northcroft regarding Mr Lawry's statement, and received the following reply to-day : — "Only received your telegram this morning. Mr Lawry's statement utterly untrue ; absolutely withoxit foundation. Never directly or indirectly communicated with a member of either House. Wrote to Minister of Mines, who appointed me, and knew the circumstances, and saw Mr Thompson. Mr Lawry's statement is a charge of perjury against me. Have asked my Minister to c.ill upon Mr Lawry to recall or deny it. ' I understand that the Minister for Justice has received a denial from Mr Northcroft, who asks that Mr Lawry's statement should be contradicted by the Minister. In a letter to Mr Pirani, in reply to that gentleman's telegram, Mr Northcroft states: — "I can say positively I never wrote to Mr Lawry about anything in my life, and I defy him or any other member or person in the colony to say I ever used, or induced anyone else, to use any political influence on my behalf. Before leaving Auckland I was approached by several persons as to whether they should bring pressure to bear on the Government, and prevent the transfer if possible. I replied, 'No, please leave the whole matter to the Government. It is this sort of interference that is destroying the colony's services' ; and, as far as I know, nothing was done, and I feel absolutely certain nothing was done."