ROYAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15259, 22 December 1919, Page 5

ROYAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS.

FURTHER CHARGES AGAINST

JUDGE BEVAN

Darwin, Dec. 20

After hearing Judge Bevan's ovidonce regarding the Arrino lease, Judge Ewing formulated a, further charge against Dr. Gilruth and Judge Bevan that they were the owners of twothirds of the Arrino mine, taken up m the name of Hope, a man without means, and that advances were made and approved by the Administrator to Hope that were really for the benefit of Hope, Gilruth and Bevan. Another charge was also submitted against Judge Bevan that he frequently advised the Crown in matters upon which he, as Judge, might have.to sit in judgment; that he had not administered law and justice in the Territory; that by his general conduct he brought the Judiciary into evil repute and lowered the dignity of British justice; that he was not a fit person to adimnistter the law. . In reply to further questions, Judge Bevan denied that he obtained special concessions for working the Arrino mine, but admitted that he supplied stores to men working the mine. Questioned regarding the leas© ot tfce Daly mine and a proviso therein, stipulating the employment of white uv hour preventing others from applying for it, and the subsequent employment of Chinese and black boys, Judge Bevan said he knew nothing regarding the conditions until he put it in the tender. Asked if by his influence he got the white labour stipulations suspended, Judge Bevan replied that he samply made representations and the Director of Mines concurred. He carried out the stipulations as. far aa passable, but white labour was unprocurable. Me denied that before taking over the lease ho went to the mine to spy out the land for Dr. Gilruth and iwmself. Further questioned afcout i>r. wruth talcing a half share when he (Judge Bevan) was making a dead loss. Judge Bevan said he was going to throw it up, and probably. Dr. Gilruth did not want that. The mine was lookins very promising. He considered Dr Gilruth's action was that of a very good friend.