THE MOKAU CASE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 23 October 1912, Page 8

THE MOKAU CASE.

{Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, October 22. At tho Mokau enquiry to-day Mr. C. H. Treadwell, solicitor, of Wellington, who had acted professionally for Mr. Jones, was tho witness. He objected to go into the history of tho case, which would take four or five days to get up, but said ho was ready to answer questions. When Jones began to examine him witness got into conflict with him regarding Dr. (now Sir John) Findlay's statement in the Legislative Council that he had refused to set up a Commission. Mr. Treadwell said that no doubt a letter of his (produced) correctly stated tho position. Ho did not know why Jones should endeavour to bring him into conflict with' Sir John Findl^- or any other person. His evidenco before a similar committee last ye?.r gp.vo the whole of tho facts as he knew them, and could be taken as his statement at tho present time. Jones:-1 think you are hero as a witness

Witness: I don't want yonr comments on what I say.

Petitioner asked witness several auestions about Dr. Findlay's alleged refusal to give an enquiry, and the fact tha* tho firm of Findlay ancl Dalziell were acting for Horrman Lewis.

Witness said he looked at things in a different light to Jonesa Ho did rot impute dishonest- to a man because, his partner was acting,in a case where he happened to bo concerned . politically. Witness admitted having received payment of a bill of costs (about £85) from Leuwin and Co.. solicitors, London, for work done- for them on behalf of Jones. Petitioner had never paid them sixpence in his life. All ho ever did was to give witness a note of hind for £1000. and ho was prepared to discount it for a very liberal sum.

Petitioner's method of questioning witness drew from the chairman a rebuke. It appeared as if the petitioner, ho said, doubted tho veracity of .witness. Jones (heatedly): I do. Tho Chairman: That is not- right. You musk not say that. Witness: Surely I • p.m entitled to be protected from this kind of base-insinua-tion. 1 havo devoted years of my best ability and money in trying to have this man's wrongs—and they wore undoubtedly grievous—righted. Ho submitted that it was a disgraceful thing, and claimed that a. witness was entitled to as much protection .before -a committee :•.::; ho would bo before a court of law. Jones then ceasod questioning witness.