BIG BRIBES ALLEGED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 9 October 1926, Page 9

BIG BRIBES ALLEGED.

Story of Political Corruption. POLITICAL SENSATION IN SYDNEY. By Cable — Frew Association — Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cabl. AssoclatlM SYDNEY, October 8. At the conclusion of Mr Parley's evidence, Mr L. P. Iredale, secretary of the Civic Reform Association, tendered a sworn statement relating to certain matters mentioned by, Mr Farley, which-lie said threw a very different light on things. The stateriient says that a proposition was made by Mr Farley and turned down.

Mr E. H. Farrar, giving evidence with regard to a meeting with Mr Farley at the Nationalist rooms, said Mr Farley told liim, and Mr Kemp that he (Mr Farley) had been making inquiries into the corruption and crookedness of Labour Aldermen in the City Council, and had evidence to gain a conviction against every one of them except one, and he also 'had valuable information with regard to the unrest in the Parliamentary Labour Party. He had got three members of the party who were prepared to be away from the House or vote against the Government if they got a;consideration. These men thought they, would not be abM to win another election, and were prepared to look sifter themselves. Mr. Farley said the men wanted £4OOO each, and ho £2OOO for doing the job. Witness said Mr Farley, in reply tQ a question whether he was authorised to make the proposition, said “no.” Mr Farrar said he told Mr Farley, that the statement was too absurd, and that the National Party did not deal with those things. He absolutely rejected the proposal. He added that Mr Farley at the time smelt of liquor, and was very excited. A fortnight tit three weeks later Mr Farley asked him and Mr Kemp to reconsider the previous proposal.' Mr Farrar said he told Mr Farley he would not consider the proposal, and if he took it to Mr T. R. Bavin he would give him in charge. He told Mr Farley he did not want to see him again. Mr Farley expressed a hope they would keep the matter confidential. Mr Far. rar did not see Mr Farley again till the present inquiry.

Mr Kemp, accountant at the Nationalist rooms, corroborated .Mr Farrar** evidence.