Mr. Charlton said that Mr. Little's secretary in' September, 1921, after consultation with the British Consul-General, wrote to Mr. Greene, who was then Minister of Customs, pointing out that he was convinced that Little Bros. and the Trade Commissioner were one and the same, and that this was all worked under a cloak, so that Mr. Little could draw £2000 yearly from the Commonwealth as well as a pension from Brunner, Mond and Ca., to run his own business. On receipt of this report the Minister asked Mr. Isaacson, of Isaacson, Cornfoot and Ca., 121 Flinders-lane, Melbourne, to make investigations and report: on the matter. After making inquiries Mr. Isaacson cabled the Minister (Mr. Greene) as fol-lews:—"'After exhaustive substantial inquiry recommend numediate dismissal, salary to March. Cable secretary to carry: en. Advise bank accordingly. Suggest new commissioner, work Japan and China combined. In any case expenses here reducible by half." Next day Mr. Isaacson despatched a second cable, as fellows:—"Yesterday's cable may appear drastic. Firmly convineed after further inquiries steps suggested are imperative.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.