THE NEW LIBERALS AND THE VOUCHER.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 41

THE NEW LIBERALS AND THE VOUCHER.

In 1905, the Premier was back at work again as hard as ever; and on tire whole last year may be fairly classed as one of the most eventful in his long career. The sudden rise and the equally sudden collapse of the self-styled “ New Liberals ” was one of the sensational episodes of the year. As we have already indicated, the Premier, though the most progressive of Liberal statesmen in modern times, was no reckless revolutionary; and he was frequently compelled to exercise all his authority to restrain the ill-directed zeal of the political “ cranks ” who always form the “Extreme Left" of any party of reform. The “New Liberals” professed various irrational and dogmatic political beliefs, but they were united in one definite sentiment—strong antagonism toward Mr. Seddon. One of the most lamentable incidents in our political history was the famous Voucher case, in which the Premier’s enemies struck at him through his son. Mr. F. M. B. Fisher, member for Wellington, during the debate on Imprest- Supply, alleged that an unauthorised payment had been made to Captain Seddon, the eldest son of the Premier. He gave the number and amount of the supposed voucher; but an investigation by the Departmental officials revealed the interesting fact that while there was a voucher corresponding to the number and amount quoted, it was signed not by “R. J. S. Seddon,” but by Richard Sneddon, agent for Anderson’s, Limited, and that the payment had been made, in the ordinary way of business for stores supplied to the Railway Department. Mr. Fisher admitted that he bad obtained his information from certain officials in Ute Christchurch Post Office, who still maintained that they had seen a voucher bearing the signature of Captain Seddon. The AuditorGeneral, therefore, inquired into the matter, and reported that no such voucher existed or could have existed, that no such payment eould have been made, and that Captain Seddon had never received a cheque on the Government for this 'amount or for any payment outside his regular salary. To remove all possible 'ground for apprehension as to the adequacy of control over the public funds, a Commission consisting of three Supreme Court Judges was appointed to make a further investigation, and they confirmed in every detail the decisions previously reached. No more complete exculpation could have been desired by the Premier and his best friends; and Mr. Seddon had the consolation of knowing that throughout this unfortunate affair he had the sympathy of the country entirely with him. The sensational visit of the “New Liberals” to Christchurch and Dunedin while the ease was pending, and their desperate efforts to exploit it to the discredit of the Premier, roused just and widespread indignation; while Mr. Seddon, though placed in a very trying position, maintained perfect dignity and courtesy throughout this acrimonious controversy.