SALES OF HONOURS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1933, Page 5

SALES OF HONOURS

BIG COURT CASE IN LONDON

MAUNDY GREGORY CHARGED

(Ur'ted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

LONDON, February 16

Maundy Gregory, the editor of the ‘Whitehall Gazette,” was charged today at Bow Street Court with an offence against the 'Honours Prevention of Abuses Act.

The Attorney-General declared that Lieutenant Commander Edward Leake was approached by a stranger, named Moffat, who said to him that the highest authorities desired to honour him. Moffat arranged a meeting with Maundy Gregory, who declared that “sinews wpre necessary to open closed doors.’’ He suggested to Leake the payment of £IO,OOO or £12,000. Gregory also discussed the prices of honours, ranging over a number of years. He produced a document detailing hie credentials, including his orders, his war record, and the power of attorney which he held for certain people.

Lieut. Commander Leake had then suggested discussing th e matter with three prominent people. Gregory agreed to do so with two of these, and had asked him to refrain from speaking to the third one. Lieut.-Commander Leake then informed the authorities He subsequently told Gregory that he desired to drop the business.' Gregory then begged his reconsideration ■ and asked for £2OOO or £3OOO to keep the pot boiling. The w'is n r l onrpen, The Mr Leake mentioned is Edward Leake whose father is the late Mr Cllarh's Billvard Leake who organised the Halefield Hospital for wounded Australians.