THE WARD-CHAPMAN TELEGRAMS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume II, Issue 70, 29 August 1874, Page 8

THE WARD-CHAPMAN TELEGRAMS.

Aptee a most searching and patient- investigation and examining a host of witnesses, the joint-committee appointed to inquire into the above matter brought up their report, which was read in the Council on the 2 1 st. It is divided into four parts, as follows : — (1) The Committee have taten a considerable amount of evidence, with the object of ascertaining the source through which the telegrams were communicated to the ' Daily Times.' The Committee are satisfled that the ' Times ' received the telegrams from Mr Macassey, but the manner in which they came into his possession have not been astisfactorily proved. (2). The evidence taken has been of a very contradictory nature, and indeed' involves a distinct question of perjury on the part of one or two persons. The Committee suggest thoy should be freed from the necessity of reporting to the Council the evidence takon by them, and would recommend that their reports, together with the evidence, should be transmitted to the Governor, together with an address, praying that a Boyal CommissioM be appointed to make a full investigation into all matters connected with the inquiry ; and that if necessary an Act of Parliament be passed giving extraordinary powers to such Commission to enforce the production of evidence, and that power be given it to grant an indemnity where evidence may be given by witnesses which may teud to criminate themselves. (3). That in the opinion of the Committee irregularities in the conduct of business in the Post and Telegraph Offices at Oamaru have been disclosed. (4) That, with regard to Messrs Holdsworth and Clayton, the Committee are unanimously of opinion that they have given their evidence in so straightforward and truthful a manner as to justify confidence being continued in them for the future. They, therefore, earneitly recommend the Government to overlook their past misconduct.

The Premier, in reply fco a request from Mr Shepherd stated, that he was at fir9t averse to an inquiry being held, but now that it was evident there had been direct perjury on one eide or the other, it became a matter of necessity that further investigation should take place.