A MYSTERIOUS STATEMENT

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2531, 18 June 1909, Page 5

A MYSTERIOUS STATEMENT

FOREIGNER’S CLAIM AGAINST L NEW ZEALAND.

HALF A MILLION STERLING

(Special to “Times.”)

WELLINGTON' Juno 17

The “Post” to-night makes a statement which has an dir of mystery about it, but which, so far as it goes, I am assured, is authoritative. It is to the effect that a claim has been made on our Government by a citizen of another country i through the Imperial Government, to the extent of about, half a million sterling. Tho Imperial Government, it is asserted, is asking for a settlement of the matter. There are no details available. Tho fact remains, however, that the Cabinet has decided that the Solicitor-Gen-eral, Dr. Fitchett, shall go Home by the same manner as the Premier for the purpose of consulting with the Imperial Crown law officers. While discussing with the Hon. A. W. Hogg his rumored retirement, I brought this statement under his notice. He stated that it wa s the first he had heard of the matter, and that it took him by surprise. He had not heard of it in any way, and could only suppose that a hoax had been perpetrated. As for Dr. Fitehett’s going Home, ho had never heard of it, and he had attended every Cabinet meeting. • A Cabinet meeting is now being held, and I will endeavor to see the Premier at the close, THE PREMIER CONFIRMS THE STATEMENT. WILL GIVE NO DETAILS. Later. The Premier confirms the statement in reference to a claim of half-a-mil-liou, but thinks it would be injudicious to give any more specific information on the subject at present.