THE CRAFT ENQUIRY

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14535, 6 December 1920, Page 7

THE CRAFT ENQUIRY

MRS GEORGESON'S STATEMENT.

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) SYDNEY, December 3.

At the graft enquiry, Mr Cann, Minister of Works, gave evidence that Mrs Georgcson saw him, and complained regarding the harsh terms which Mr Storey was using respecting her husband over the wheat enquiry. She alleged that an understanding had been reached between Johnston and Dooley thajj £SOO should be given for election expenses on the understanding that Georgcson should not be further proceeded against. She also stated that an undertaking had been given through a go-between that Mr Storey would agree to this arrangement. If Georgcson were forced into court she intended to bring the matter before the Commission, or would get a Nationalist member to move a motion of censure on the Government to bring the matter out. Mr Cann said that he understood that £SOO was paid out of the Georgeson-Talbot Estate. Mrs Georgcson gave evidence that she had not given money to anybody to have the Wheat Commission stopped, nor had anybody made overtures to her. When her husband became ill all his papers were handed to < his solicitor.

In reply to the question if she had told Mr Cann that the papers showed that £SOO had been paid by Talbot to a member of the Labour Party she replied, "I had no papers; this money was given after my husband became ill." She added that Talbot told her he gave £SOO, and she answered that she would not be a party to giving money in that way. He supposed Talbot gave the money because he wished to make a donation.

Georuteson's solicitor gave evidence that not a farthing during tlyj last three years had been paid improperly out of Georgcson's account.