EMPIRE PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1923, Page 5

EMPIRE PRODUCE.

USE AT THE EXHIBITION.

RESULT OF THE INQUIRY.

NO CORRUPTION FOUND.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

Received February 6, 11.30 p.m.

London, Feb. 5,

The report of Sir W Joyns'on-Hicks on the enquiry regarding the use of Empire produce at the British Empire Exhibition has been issued. Thirty witnesses were heard.

He is glad to say that an arrangement has been come to between the exhibition authorities and the High Commissioners whereby provision is- made in all contracts that Empire material only is to be used in the construction of the exhibition and Empire products only will be used in the restaurants.

“So it is unnecessary for me to investigate the question further,” he adds. “I find there has been jiq malfeasance or corruption regarding the granting of conces’sions for amusements or entertainment, but there have been unfortunate occurrences in connection with negotiations for concessions, owing to the exhibition authorities not advertising for tenders. As regards the genera) administration, the exhibition must be ! run as a business undertaking. It is highly desirable that there should bo a clear understanding of the sentiments of the various Dominions and colonies. “I formed the conclusion that Mr. Robert Donald was actuated by a desire to do everything to make the exhibition a thorough success from an Imperial standpoint, and I am convinced there has been a grave lack of tact on the part of the general manager in his relations with those with whom he ought to be working harmoniously, i Nevertheless Lord Wintour is a man of marked ability. There have been various veiled suggestions and even ho has not been free from suspicion of corruption, but I am of opinion that there has been no corruption. Wtihout hesitation I recommend that there should ho no change m the general management, which might he fatal to the exhibition at this late date. Lord Wintour, by his dominating personality, very largely controlled his committees.

“I now propose that control over the general management should be very greatly strengthened by an executive council, meeting frequently, with a de-puty-chairman, who should give his whole time to the work and receive adequate remuneration. If such a committee had been in control of affairs earlier there would have been no possibility of the reconl criticism.”

The report concludes with thanks to Mr. Dalton. ex-Now Zealand Trade Commissioner, “who assisted jne in the enquiry while he was on short leave before going to Canada.’’ —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.