Remarkable Incident.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1922, Page 4

Remarkable Incident.

THEFT OF DOCTAI F\T FROM PARLIAAIEXT. WELLIN'! J TON. Oct 'Hi. I'm klie 11'oiiMO of Representatives this afternoon the Hon W. Xosworthy, as AHnister in charge of tlio Legi*lature, drew the attention of the Speatier of the House* of Representatives to tho fart that four copies of evidence taken hy the Agricultural Conimittoe in connexion with the Dairy Produce Export Bill had been made. One of these l copies was reserved for the use of the members of the Committal', who were warned that tho copy must not bo removed from Parliament Build.' ings, and that the contents of the document must not be disclosed. The copy available for members of the Committee had been entrusted to Air R. Alnsters. the member for Stratford, and he had locked it up in a drawer in his table last night. This moraine it was discovered that the lock had luen forced, evidently with a heavy instrument, and the copy of the evidence stolen. He asked Air Speaker to rule on the position. .Mr Speaker said he had received a letter from Afr Ablators, and reports from Parliamentary officers on the subject, which he read. He could only say that this was a serious matter. He would have the fullest enquiry made into what was undoubtedly a serious broach of the rules of the House. Ah- Afassey sitid it must bo understood that if any publication of the evi deuce followed upon the tliett of the evidence, a serious hrenoh ol tho privilege* of the House would take place. He suggested tliat Mr Speaker should invoko the aid of the police to endeavour to find the perpetrator ol the outrage, so that he might be properly dealt with. .Mr Alnsters, in the course of a statement, said he had last night placid tho evidence in a drawer in his table along with his private ledger. Ibis morning lie found the drawer 1 or> ■ 1 open, with the lock completely broken, and the evidence was missing, though his private ledger was left. He imped that every eil'ort would be made t" bring the offender to justice.