Attack on a Premier.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3469, 22 July 1899, Page 1

Attack on a Premier.

Sydney, July 18. In tho debate on the Addrosa-in-Eeply Mr Norton made a fierce attack on the Premier’s notion in connection with negotiations wii h the Bank of New Zealand over the purchase of the Rosehill railway for £23,500, when Parliament authorised £30,000. Mr Norton alleged, from information received from a discharged official of the hank, that Mr Keid had received accommodation from the bank to the extent of £2OOO, the only security being a life policy for £IOO, with no surrender value. He charged the Premier with corruption in tho matter as well as in connection with the transactions relating to the sale of a colliery, another of the Bank of New Zealand’s properties. Mr Norton stated that he was prepared to place copies of letters and shorthand notes relating to the whole business at the disposal of the House. Mr Reid, replying with strong emotion, said that Mr Norton’s statements were infamous lies. He admitted that he had an account at the bank which was transferred to it as an outside institution in preference to dealing with a local directorate. He also admitted having overdrawn his account, but he had yet to learn that this was a criminal proceeding. ’When the matters mentioned came up he candidly informed the Cabinet of his financial relations with the bank, so that there should be no suspicion in the matter in coming to terms with the bank. He had the report of the Railway Commissioners dated 1896 advising the purchase at £25,000, and said that the final negotiations were conducted by the Railway Commissioners and representatives of the bank. July 2C In the Assembly Mr Reid showed that in every step of the negotiations with the Bank of New Zealand he consulted and had the sanction of the highest and most trusted officers. So far from here being a secret understanding it was known to every officer of the Department. Ultimately it was agreed that the difference should be split, and the bank be paid £22,500. Ho challenged anyone to say that he ever obtained a penny from the bank without paying interest, and repudiated the least insinuation that tho letter of credit he obtained in London had been given him by way of favour from the bank, Mr Barton in the name of the Opposition strongly condemned the attack on Mr Reid, who, he said, had easily repelled all charges. The debate was adjourned. Before separating the House gave thi’ee cheers for Mr Reid.