TO BE DROPPED.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 56, 1 March 1912, Page 5

TO BE DROPPED.

TO BE DROPPED. THE PRIVILEGE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. ENDORSED BY~THE HOUSE. fPer Press Association.) Wellington, February 29. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr Hanan reported to the House that the Privilege Committee had decided that the committee could not pursue the inquiry further, as Mr Massey had respectfully declined to produce the letter quoted from.

Sir J. G. Ward moved that further consideration of the matter he deferred without abrogating the right of Parliament or establishing a precedent. • t

No. ,2.—There was no proof against Sir J. G. Ward, Mr Payne, or Mr Brown.

Mr Millar moved that the report be endorsed by the House.

No. 3.—Evidence was conflicting, and no decision was come to. Sir J. G. Ward moved its endorsement. Mr Fisher moved as an amendment that the evidence clearly showed that Mr Payne’s statement that McMaater was muddled with drink was not substantiated.

Sir J. G. Ward said the question off McMasters’ condition was not before the House. He did not know McMasters, but it was not advisable to carry such an unpleasant matter further.

After considerable discussion, during which Mr Payne said Mr Fisher appeared to have no regard for his (Payne’s) honour, Mr Fisher’s amendment was lost on the voices, and Sir J. G. Ward’s and Mr Millar’s motions were carried.