THE HINE CHARGES

Southland Times, Issue 14577, 18 November 1910, Page 6

THE HINE CHARGES

THE COUNCIL'S PINDIN*G.

II H iIACDO.NAU) AHPOLVED. (Per United Ft ess Association). WKIjL.IXC.tTOX, Xov. 17. In the Legislative Council this afternoon the Special Committee appointed to consider the Mine charges against the Hon. T. K. Macdonald reported that the evidence does not disclose any violation of the'law or any breach of the Standing Orders of the Council. LOWEK HOUSE ENQUIRY. WELLINGTON', Xov. 17. At the Hine inquiry this morning J. MeCluggage, called by Sir .1. G. Ward, said that he had asked Sir J. G. Ward twice to speak at Stratford during the last election campaign, but Sir Joseph had declined until , the chaise against Mr Symes about the letter to witness and receiving payments for petitions could be cleared up. x\l.r W. F. CariKTOss gave similar evidence. The Kalhau charges wore .then resumed. Robert Kelly, post otlice clerk, produced Horornona's bank book showing the withdrawal of flu at Xgaruawhia on Sth March. i'JOo, this being the only one that year. To Mr Skerrell, witness said that subsequently there had been six other withdrawals of fifteen pounds each, all since 19GH. air Otlerson, clerk of the House, testified to the presentation of petitions mentioned in the charge'*. ' Keritoke To Aha, who acted as agent for J.lohi Te Wart., produced a telegram from Kaihau: "Send me petition and money, else too late." Witness sent under register, the petition and £5 and produced the registration receipt. Witness telegram from Kaihau acknowledging receipt of the petition and money and another asking for £5, which was sent (registration receipt produced). Replying, to Sir J. G. Ward witness said that during last election he had telegraphed Mr Xgata asking if the petitions had to be paid for. Mr Xgata replied that.it was wrong for members of Parliament to receive payment for presenting petitions. Witness intended contesting the -northern -Maori district at next election.

Rewatu iliriako and Kaaiiu Huatare deposed to paying £25 and £lO respectively to Kaihau for presenting petitions.

Te Kamanomano said that Kaihau gave him £lO towards the expenses of a Maori meeting, and £:> when witnesses child died, the witness promising to repay when able. When the petitiqn in Manual tu and Aotea South was drawn up witness gave Kaihau £lO to pay for a search of the Court books. When witness was in Wellington in' 1005 Kaihau paid witnesses board for some weeks.

This closed Mr Hme's case gainst Kaihau.

Mr Myers mentioned that the only witness now to call was Griffin, who will appear to-morrow in the Flaxbourne charge. The Committee adjourned tiill to-mor-row.