N.S.W. Land Scandal.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 12922, 29 July 1905, Page 5

N.S.W. Land Scandal.

«. A SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. United Press Association. — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. ' , Sydney, July £S. Another sensational development has occurred in regard to the Lands Commission. John Haynes, : on oath, deposed that on the 13th inst. W. ,B\ .Melville visited his office and asked 'if he woxild stay his hand in regard to Willis. He urged that by issuing- warrants ngainst Willis Mr. Haynes had gone far enough to vindicate his own • character, and asked him to withdraw further proceedings. Mblvdlle said he had authority from Willis or Mrs Willi» io make an offer, and, mentioned payment of £500. Asked for further proof of his authority, Melville "next day produced a telegram from Perth •igned "Willis," declaring that •ho (Willis) had been brutally treated, but Idiat if the venomous attacks stopped now he would not be found lacking in regard to money matters. Mr Haynes told Meiville he was not satisfied of the bona fides of the- telegram, and Melville promised to cpmm^inieate with Willis again. * Haynes meanwhile communicated ffitla. the police, and when M«lville next day came 'to v the office a deceptive was hidden there. Mcl wood produced . another telegram- from-Wil-lis, and subsequently a \hird wherein Willis faithfully promised to keep tho compact contained in* the first wire, when- he returned to Sydney. The wires wei'e addressed to * Melville; who enjoined great secrecy. Efforts made by Haynes and the police to obtain Ihe original telegrams , have feo far lailje^ consequently .. no l action has been taken. . ,