BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 19 November 1927, Page 6

BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

COMMITTEE’S REPORT PRESENTED

Wellington, Nov. 18.

In the House of Representatives this afternoon. Air. E. P. Lee (Oamaru) brought up the report of a special privilege committee set up to consider certain remarks made b.v the Rev. K, D. Hatchett at a recent Methodist District Synod and published in the “Evening Post.” The report stated that evidence was heard from various parties. The publication of the renort was admitted, and the editor of the “Evening Post” accepted responsibility for publication of the report. The statement was supplied to the “Post” bv the Rev. F. B. Lawrence, who was the official reporter appointed by the synod. The report was published bv the “Post” in good faith and was not considered to be a bleach of privilege Mr. Patchett. the report continued, claimed before the committee that the report published was such a hald statement that it did not adequately convey the meaning of his remarks. He stated that his remarks were made from written notes and these were submitted to th e committee. The report stated that these statements did not materially differ from the report published in the “Post " Since the hearing of the evidence Mr. Patchett had written to the committee making' a request that statements made regarding him in the House should be withdrawn or that be should be permitted tn make bis defence before the bar of the House. After discussion the renort of the privilege committee was laid on the table nnd set down for consideration next sitting day.