MORE DISCLOSURES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16651, 22 May 1928, Page 7

MORE DISCLOSURES

SYDNEY BRIBERY CHARGES

MALING'S TESTIMONY

MONEY FORCED UPON HIM

(Elec, Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) SYDNEY, May 21.

At the Royal Commission, inquiring into civic affairs, Silas Y. Maling continued his evidence. He said that when the matter of the payment to the aldermen, was arranged with Arnbt the latter insisted on making witness a present of £2OOO for himself. Wit- ' ness reluctantly agreed to accept. The whole matter was being discussed with Arnot when witness asked Arnot what amount lie proposed to pay the aldermen, and Arnot said £7500,-with £IOOO for. Alderman Holdsworth. "The tender then went before the council, Which approved it, and the contract was given to Babcock and Wilcox," Maling continued. He heard no more about the money business for some time, but then Arnot came to his 'office and said he could not get the money out and he was afraid to get it out for fear it should be detected. He then asked witness if he knew any wa-'out of the difficulty. Witness promised to.think it over for a few days. The latter met Albert in the street accidentally and told him that Arnot .could,.not get, the money out from England. Albert then said that Buckle had a much bigger account than his arid would be better able to handle the transaction. Later on Albert told witness that Buckle was; prepared to letthe ' monev go through his account, and that'he (Albert) wanted £IOO- for his services in making the arrangements with Buckle. Tliis.was agreed to and that brought the total amount to £10,600. •' The next thing- that Maling heard was when Albert;came to his office and told him the money had arrived. Maling then told how he had received, the various amounts, through Albert and Miss Gordon, which lie handed over to. Alderman Green;

INQUIRY INTO OTHER,CASE Cross-examined, Maling,. said that he told Arnot not to give ;■• Holdsworth any money as, if he did, tho others would not get their share. He further stated that, when he left Australia, he would have,■-, returned had be received reasonable ...treatment from the eivic commissioners. Before lie left- he had asked for leave to consult a Harley. street specialist, Imt this was refused, ■so he then went to New Zealand without leave on the advice of his [doctor; ,' ' - ■i. ... ■'„ .•• At this stage, Mr. Justice: "Harvey said that he would.liave; to investigate the. allegations in connection, with the International Combustion Co.'s tender, as it seemed to run right through the whole matter. ';;:. Mr. Arnot, manager of Babcock and Wilcox, who secured the contract, was recalled, and cross-examined on a number of cablegrams which passed between himself and the London office of Babcoek and Wilcox since the commission had been sitting. One from the London office stated that Sir James Kennall had instructed payment of £IO,OOO in Sydney, but there was nothing in the London'office to show to whom 'the payment was made, -vy Mr. Arnot, in reply, to a-question, said he saw Maling just before tho latter went to New Zealand, • and Malin/told him he had decided to resign/ from the City Council'position and asked witness to get him another position where he could - «arn not £3OOO, a year. Witness added tYaTTe , could "hot" _ ' recollect Maling having told him on previous occasions that he desired to give up his position with tho council. The inquiry was adjourned.- ■' ■;