“BREACH OF PRIVILEGE.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 908, 22 October 1910, Page 3

“BREACH OF PRIVILEGE.”

A NEWSPAPER’S STATEMENTS. The comment by the Otaki Mail npou the alleged causes which brought about the rejection of the Otaki County Bill by the Local Bills Committee was complained of by Mr G. Laurenson in the House of Representatives on Thursday night. On the motion of Mr Laurenson, who is chairman of the Local Bills Committee, an article in the Otaki Mail of Wednesday was read by the clerk. It expressed dissatisfaction at the rejection of the Otaki County Bill, and suggested that in coming to this decision the Local Bills Committee's first consideration was “ which side can pull the ruosi strings. . . . as the opponents of the Bill pulled the most wires, and doubtless secured the assistance of several personal friends among the members, the measure was safely disposed of,” continued the article. “ Thus are the rightful requests of the majority of the people trampled Upon ! Is not such a state of affairs a disgrace to the Dominion ? The law of the laud

that allows such things to be done is rotten, and the people should demand amendment.” Mr Laurenson moved “ That a breach of privilege has been committed.” Unless the House resented this unwarranted abuse, unbridled and practically libellous atattacks upon men who were endeavouring to do their duty, there would be a decadence in the political life of the community. The Prime Minister said he was

not at all sure whether the action proposed to be taken by Mr Laurenson would not add to the glorification of an editor against whom, under the standing orders, very little could be done. If an attempt was made to make a martyr of the editor it might do more harm than good. Mr T.aurenson remarked that his object bad been achieved iu placing the leal tacts on record. He would, therefore, ask leave to withdraw the motionLeave to withdraw was given.