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arf the tact that a number of these 1weounttr were incurred under a former Administration, and at a time when the department was pre- sided over by a Minister now de.. ceased. The Government, however, deems it in the public interest to take this course so that the fullest possible opportunity may be afforded for investigation of the affairs of the House to permit the accounts of this department'tor the years 1913- 14, 1914-15, 1915-16, 1916-17, 1917- 18, and for the portion of the year 19tr.,19 down to the 28th February. 1919, to be referred to the Public Accounts Committee. "This is a. very unusual course for a Government to adopt; in view of the fact that the time for investigat- ing moat of these accounts has long sincepassed, and that it may be dif- ficult, if not impossible, to get evi- denée relating to some of them at this late date, and especially in view i "Mr. Peter White, K.C., a well- known and eminent counsel, has been appointed to assist the Com- missioner in the conduct of this in- vestigation. The Government is re- questing the Commissioner to pro- ceed with the investigation as quickly as circumstances will per- mit. In addition to the Commis- sion referred to, the widest possible latitude will be given, and every fa- cility provided for a, full and com- plete investigation of the manner in which the affairs of the License De- partment have been conducted. To this end the Government will ask Sir William Meredith, Chief Jus- tice of Ontario. has been appointed 'by the Government to make a thorough investigation .into the charges made by Mr. H. Hartley De- "Fart, M.P.P. for Southwest Toronto, against Chief License Inspector J. A. Ayearet. Mr. Peter White. K. C., has been appointed to assist the Chief Justice in the conduct of the investigation. This information was given to the Legislature yesterday by the Prime Minister, Sir William Hearst, who made a, statement be- tore the orders of the day were call- :ed. Pending the investigation and ireport of Sir William Meredith. 1n- (1rpeetor Ayearst has been suspended. {The Prime Minister stated also that er. George E. Morrison. a Pro- vincial License Inspector. had re- 'signed, and that his case would be [investigated by the Commission. _.. "supplementing what I said on Thursday last," said Sir William Hearst, in rising before the orders {of the day were called, "1 desire to rintorm the House that the Govern- 'ment has requested the Hon. Sir William Meredith, Chief Justice of Ontario, to investigate the charges and statements made by the member for Southwest Toronto, Seat 'A,' in his address in the House, and that the Chief Justice has consented so to do. A Royal Commission will be issued forthwith authorizing the Chief Justice to conduct such in.. vetstitration. Will Be Commissioner to Investigate Mr. H. H. Dewart's Charges Against Mr. Ayearst GOVT. NAMES MEREDITH e TO CONDUCT INQUIRY At the conclusion of the Prime Minister's announcement, Hon. T. w. ,McGarry moved a resolution, seconded by Hon. G. Howard Fergu- son, referring the public accounts connected with the License Depart- ment for. the last six years to the Public Accounts Committee for in- vestigation. The motion was car- ried. The Premier's Slawnlenl. TU ESDAY, M. this department, and m oruer Luau if there has been wrong-doing or impropriety on the part of anyone connected with the department the same may 'be brought to light and proper action taken. The depart- ment in question exercises functions of the very greatest importance, and the Government is determined to see that not even the breath of suspicion shall attach to it. The Government will not continue in its services any man whose conduct will not stand the closest scrutiny. "In viltw of the charges made against. Mr. Aycarst. Chief Inspector, he has been suspended from, oiflce pending the investigation of such charges and the report of the Com- missionm' with respect thereto. "Mr. George E. Morrison. a Pro- vincial License Inspector. has sent in his resignation and the same has been accepted, and he is no longer in the employment of the Govern- ___ . . L--.. I... Mr. Ayettrst Suspvmh-(I. Ill Ill» mun-l..v_,...v_, ment. Mr. White has been in- structed to examine into the facts concerning certain financial inter- ests Mr. Morrison is said to have had while an official of the Gov- ernment, and to take such steps and to conduct such investigations with reference thereto as the circum- stances may warrant. "The House will note that the Government proposes to refer to the Public Accounts Committee the ac- counts connected with the License Department for the last six years, being all the accounts mentioned in the amendment moved by the member for Southwest Toronto, Seat 'A,' last week, to the motion of the Provincial Treasurer that the Speaker leave the chair and the House resolve itself Jnto Com- mittee of Supply. But in addition to doing this, the Government is appointing the Chief Justice of On- tario to hold a judicial investiga- tion into the specific acts of wrong- doing mentioned by the honorable member in his address." "Ls there any truth in the current report to-day that Mr. Ayearst has resigned?" questioned Mr. William Proudfoot, the Liberal Leader. "I don't know anything with ref- erence to that," replied the Prime Minister. Discussing the probe Mr. Peter White said last night that he ex- pected to confer to-day with Sir William Meredith as to the date of the inquiry. "You may rely on it that there will be no time lost," said Mr. White. 1919. and in order that