OHINEMURI LICENSING COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2423, 11 February 1909, Page 6

OHINEMURI LICENSING COMMISSION.

SIR ROBERT STOUT INTERVIEWED. (Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 10. It is expected that the constitution of the Royal Cominmission to inquire into the allegations concerning certain former licensing commissioners in the Ohinemuri district will be announced by the end of tlife week, and that the inquiry will be proceeded with almost immediately. Interviewed b» a “'Star” reporter and aslAcd whether it was true as reported that he would himself preside over tlio Commission, the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) said that his duties were such that ho would not be in a position to do so, for a considerable amount of work still remained to be done in connection with tIV“ Native Land Commisssion, and a sitting was held in Auckland in regard to the Mokan leases yesterday afternoon. Sir Robert proceeds to Welßngton by the s.s. Wimmcra, and expects; to be kept busy right up to tlio time of his departure for England, in finally disposing of the Native Land Commission work. On March sth the Chief .Justice leaves on a twelve months’ visit to the Old Country, and in view of the fact that his time will be fully occupied before the date of sailing it is impossible for a time to consider the question of presiding over the Ohinemuri licensing commission. Asked were thero auy particulars in relation to the constitution and scope of the Commission which he could divulge, Sir Robert stated that he was at present in communication with the Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) upon the. subject. He had been asked to nominate two members of the Commission and had done so. Asked whether the Commission . would be presided over by two Judges of the Supremo Court, Sir Robert Stout replied that he . was not in a position to give any information as to the personnel of the Commission, but added that Hus Excellency the Governor (Lord Blanket) would probably be asked to consent to the appointment of the gentlemen nominated before tlio cud of the week. and the appointments would then bo made public. The Commission, tlio Chief Justice added; would he expected to undertake its duties almost immediately, and would probably sit at Auckland and Waihi.