WAS THERE GRAFT?

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 15 November 1924, Page 9

WAS THERE GRAFT?

CROPLEY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. SOME STARTLING EVIDENCE. By Cable— Press Association-r-Copyrlght. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 9.25 p.m., November 14.) SYDNEY, November 14. Alderman McElhone, examined before the Cropley Commission, testifiuct that though Aldermon Shannon and Charlton were of a party differing from his, lie knew no-more honourable men, and considered them above suspicion. Dealing with the question of City Council affairs, Alderman .McElhone said that so .many ; peculiar things took place there, that they created a considerable amount of suspicion dn his 1 eyes, and in the eyes of his party, so that • it became necessary to watch proceedings very closely. Extraordinary decisions were reached which would justify any Alderman coming to any conclusion lie ‘thought fit. There was no explanation thereof. ■

Asked by a Commissioner if he had come to the conclusion thaf . i tlipf.f. must be sortiW tifiddfliand" Business -at work, Alderman v 'McKlfipue J 'replied : “I have no doubt whatever that some of the conclusions could not be conn to honestly.” Asked: “Do you mean there ;■.was graft.” ' ■ b.'ieep'il Alderman McElhone answered “Undoubtedly.”

Alderman Shannon gave a general denial to the allegations; He declared he was not connected vritln any - corrupt practices. , ,He;‘ did) not ' kihnv Croplev, and could suggest no reaspn why his name should have been dragged into the case, unless as someone bad . suggested v ; s iCroplcy wfts suffering from hallucinations. ... , Alderman Charlton, gave : a. c.qmple'te and general denial to the allegations, which he regarded as fabrications-Kith-out any apparent motive. ■"TTTtrr