THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5567, 16 May 1896, Page 6

THE GOVERNMENT PRINTIN G OFFICE.

[Pee Press Association.! WELLINGTON, May 15. A deputation from the employes of the Government Printing Office waited on the Hon W. Hall-Jones ,to-night, to ask for clemency for the three men who had recently been discharged from the office, and also to petition the Cabinet,. through the Minister, on their behalf. The petition was signed by one hundred a.nd thirtyeight out of one hundred and seventy employes. The deputation stated that the companionship held themselves responsible for the position occupied by these men, who were promised protection by Sir Patrick Buckley, unless the charges were found to be frivolous. The Minister said that lie was not going into the report of tho Commission, but lie would say this much, that' there "were forty-three charges made under sixteen ' different headings. Ten of these charges were "abandoned, thirty were not sustained, and the three regaining, charges^ -all of an unimportant natiire;' were only partially proved/- '' The Comnuis.. sioners were unanimous, and the facts disclosed that a most undesirable state of affairs had existed in the office, which, must; hot be allowed to exist, as it was subversive of discipline, and while he had control discipline should be maintained. When the report was published, he was sure they would say he had taken the right course. • He would, however, lay tho matter before the Cabinet.