MARCONI SHARE PURCHASES

Southland Times, Issue 17306, 31 March 1913, Page 6

MARCONI SHARE PURCHASES

SIR RUFUS ISAACS AS A WITNESS. OBJECTS TO JNQUISITORY METHODS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association —Copyright). LONDON. March 28. Sir Rufus Isaacs hotly accused the Marconi Committee of trying him and protested vehemently against the lies and fabrlcatioas published. He produced Mr Asquith’s letter of August 15, 1912, counselling him not to notice the scurrilous rubbish published by a certain newspaper. The Hon. Mr Samuel, in the House of Commons, in reply to a question, admitted that he knew in August last that Sir Rufus Isaacs and Mr Lloyd George held American Marconi shares. Sir Rufus Isaacs admitted that Mr Lloyd George and the Master of Elibank made further purchases of three thousand shares in the American Marconi Company. He had not referred to this In the Matin case because it would have transgressed the rules of evidence. A searching examination of 11 hours then concluded. Mr Lloyd George gave evidence that he and the Master of Elibank purchased three thousand shares on May 22nd at 43s l%d. They sold some at 63s l%d. and still held 1643. The net result was that he lost 1500. Mr Lloyd George added emotionally that he was a comparatively poor man. The whole of his present . investments yielded only £4OO per annum. LLOYD GEORGE GIVES EVIDENCE. STANDARD FOR PUBLIC iVBN. “CAESAR’S WIFE.” LONDON, March 29. Received March 30, 5.5 p.m. Mr Lloyd George stated In his evidence that it was made absolutely clear to film that the American Company had no interest In the EngllsJJ Company’s contract with the Government. No question of indiscretion entered his mind. The transaction was perfectly clear and straightforward. When questioned respecting the standard for public men which he laid down in his "Caesar’s wife” speech upon Mr Chamberlain in December, 1900, he said that he was quite prepared to be judged on the principles then laid down. He menaced that if examined on that debate he should have to go into the whole business. Mr Lloyd George said he thought that the Postmaster-General got the best of the bargain. The Marconi Company’s withdrawal from the contract would not affect the American. Com pany’s profits or shares.