STRANGE PROCEDURE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17152, 30 September 1926, Page 12

STRANGE PROCEDURE

COLLEGE ALLEGATIONS. REQUEST TO WITHDRAW. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. At the Seddon Memorial Technical College inquiry, after the luncheon adjournment, Mr. Finlay, addressing the commissioner, .said the economic aspect uf the matter had been giving him much concern. His two learned friends had been at some pains to see that no formalities were neglected. That might debar them from remedy in costs against someone. Laing had nothing to gain, either from the proceedings of the commission of from it.s finding. Nevertheless, he might find himself fathering what was, in effect, litigation, and be held responsible for a considerable sum in costs. He was only a tradesman, and whatever equity he had in his home was at stake. Laing, continued counsel, had given the only evidence, that was in his power to give. That evidence, gave scope for the holding of a further inquiry within the walls of the college. Allen, for example, might wish to give evidence. He took leave to propose his client should be allowed to withdraw from the proceedings, but to re-enter when Park gave evidence. To reply to Laing's charges againtet himself. Mi-. Finlay explained'that he suggested (his, only for economic reasons. He was entirely in the commission's hands. STARTED THE WHOLE AFFAIR. Mr. Towlo, in reply, pointed out that Laing had started the whole affair, and had stated he took full responsibility for everything. lie now wished to withdraw, but lie did' not withdraw his charges against Park or the board. Matters could- not be left at that. The charges must be cleared up. Laing could not avoid responsibility by withdrawing at the present juncture." Mr. Lea.ry endorsed Mr. Towles' remarks. Mr, Finlay's application, he .said, was irregular, to say the very least about it. Laing had pursued the matter for more than a year. He had made wide and embracing charges, some of «'hich concerned other people's concerns, and these charges had been well advertised throughout the country. When it came to the point at which he saw that his charges could not. be substantiated, he wished to withdraw, and then resume when Park gave evidence. This was the culmination of the persecution which he had directed against Park for years. The commissioner invited counsel to confer with him privately, saying he 'bad a course of procedure, to propose. On resuming it was announced the sitting would be adjourned until tomorrow.