SALE OF HONOURS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 460, 18 February 1933, Page 5

SALE OF HONOURS

(Press. Assn.—

editor charged REQUESTED PAYMENT FROM OFFICER "XO liOOSEN SINEWS" "THE HIGI-IEST AUTHORITY"

-By Telegraph— Copyright).

Rec. Feb. 17, 9,15 p.m. London, February 17. Maundy Gregory, editor of the Whitehall Gazette., was charged at Bow Street for an offence against the Honours Preferential Ahuses Act. The Attorney General declared that Lie,utenant Commander Edward Leake, was approached by a stranger, named Moffat, who said that the highest authority desired'to honour him. He arranged to meet Gregory, who declared that sinews were necessary to open closed doors. He suggested a payment ofj£10,000 to £12,000. He outlined the price of honours ranging over a number of years, and produced documents detailing his credentials, including his orders, his war record and a power of attorney held for several people. Lieuteant Commander Leake sug- • gested discussing tlie matter with three prominent people. Gregory agreed to two, and aslced him to refrain from speaking to the third. Lieutenant Commander Leake informed the authorities and subsequently told Gregory that he desired to drop the business. Gregory begged reconsideration and asked for £2000 to £3000 to, "keep the pot boiling." The case was adjourned.