21

I.—lb.

R. H. WILLIAMS.

Both advised me that I was entitled to the gratuity for the time claimed to the 28th February, 1903.') What do you say to that? —I say that Captain Clark brought down his voucher for the gratuity covering the whole period and showed it to me, asking me if I thought it was right. I said that in accordance with instructions received from the War Office an officer who was engaged in the office in connection with the pay, &c, of a contingent was entitled to claim for that period." The next, question asked of you, Mr Williams was, " Whilst he was connected with the contingent --in connection with the pay of the contingent. Was that it?" to which you replied, " Yes." This is the only point upon which you were examined--the question of payment? —Yes. 25. Was this some time after the episode you related just now this about Captain Clark putting in his claim for the gratuity? —Yes; it was, I should say, some couple of months after. 26. The Chairman.] About how long had Captain Clark been engaged when you told him to send in his vouchers? It must have been two or three months, at any rate, because otherwise I would not have remarked about it. Two monthly abstracts had been received from the Commandant's office in which Captain Clark was engaged, and his name did not appeal- on them. 27. Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones.] Is it a very unusual thing for an officer not to claim his salary when it is due) —Yes, 28. Have you, in the course of your experience, ever known any officer in the public service let his salary run on for so long a time without claiming it? Never before.

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