Spears, William Frost | Day 5

Volunteer to Mr Hughes, erected poles. Received £250 for erecting and removing poles and three payments of £9 some of which was paid to James Axon.

Witness Type: Briber

Party: Conservative

Witness Testimony:

  • 4441.

    What did you do with that ? — I gave it to a man named James Axon.

  • 4442.

    What for; from whom did you get it ? — Mr. Hughes.

  • 4443.

    What did you give it to Mr. Axon for ? — I do not know.

  • 4444.

    When Mr. Hughes gave you the money what did he say to you ? — He did not give me the money, he gave me a cheque, and I went to the bank.

  • 4445.

    Was it three cheques for 9L. each ? — I am almost sure it was.

  • 4446.

    Or was any of it cash ? — No. I am almost sure it was cheques.

  • 4447.

    Did you have three different sums of 9L., and do you recollect going to the bank with them ? — Yes.

  • 4448.

    Tell us about it ? — That is all I can tell you. He gave me the cheques, and I went to the bank and changed them and gave the man the money.

  • 4449.

    Did you get the three cheques at three different times ? — Yes.

  • 4450.

    When you got the first one what did he tell you to do ? — To give it to Mr. Axon, and I gave it to him.

  • 4451.

    Did he tell you to go to the bank and get it cashed, and give the cash to Axon ? — No, he did not tell me to go to the bank, but I had the cheque, and I must go to the bank to get the cash.

  • 4452.

    Did he tell you to give Axon the cheque, or did he tell you to go to the bank ? — He did not tell me anything, but I thought he gave me the cheque perhaps because nobody else might be able to change it.

  • 4453.

    Tell me what took place between you and Mr. Hughes when he gave you the first cheque for 9L ? — Mr. Hughes gave me the cheque and I went to the bank.

  • 4454.

    He must have told you something about what you were to do with it ? — No.

  • 4455.

    Do you mean that he merely handed you a cheque and said nothing ? — He said, “Give this to Mr. Axon.”

  • 4456.

    Did he say “Go and change this,” or did he say “ Give this to Mr. Axon” ? — I do not remember.

  • 4457.

    However, you did go and change the cheque ? — Yes.

  • 4458.

    And gave the proceeds to Mr. Axon ? — Yes.

  • 4459.

    Do you know at all what it was for ? — No.

  • 4460.

    Was nothing said as to what it was for ? — No.

  • 4461.

    Have you any idea now what it was for ? — No.

  • 4462.

    Are you sure of that ? — I do not like to ask questions after a thing is all over ; it is not my business to ask questions.

  • 4463.

    I did not ask you that. What I asked you was whether you have any idea now what it was for ? — If I were to go up and ask what it was for perhaps some of them would, up fist, and give me a clout in the head.

  • 4464.

    Now tell me the truth. Have you any belief or impression in your own mind as to what it was for ? — He never said nothing to me ; perhaps when you see Mr. Hughes he might tell you.

  • 4465.

    Have you heard at all, or have you any opinion, as to what was done with it ? — I do not know whether it was for POLES, or what I cannot tell you. I do not know what it was for.

  • 4466.

    What is Axon’s name ? — There are two or three Axons.

  • 4467.

    I mean the Axon to whom you gave this money. Where does he live, and what is he ? — It is James Axon.

  • 4468.

    Where does he live ? —Upper Walmer Road.

  • 4469.

    What is he ?— A boatman.

  • 4470.

    When you gave the money to him did he say anything ? — No, I gave him the money.