ALLEGED BRIBERY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 391, 17 May 1910, Page 5

ALLEGED BRIBERY

AN M.P. TAKES A FEE. DISCLOSURES IX THE SUPREME COURT.

By Telegraph —Press Association. Auckland, Monday. A question arising out of the alleged bribing of <1 member of Parliament was argued ibeiore Mr. Justice Edwards in the Supreme Court in the ease G. Hutchison v. J. G. haddon, a summons for delivery of documents in defendant's possession, over which a solicitor's lien 'was claimed. Plaintiff and defendant were in practice as partners, rand wihile the former wais absent in >outh Africa defendant transacted certain business an<l ipniil a. small fee l>v arrangement to a member of Parliament to get a 'petition expedited throug'h Parliament. It was stated that although the claimant agreed in writing to the payment of the fee, he refused to reimburse respondent, who refused to deliver the documents until the money was paid. Mr. J. Rr-Reid, representing Mr. Haddon, said that Judge Edwards, in chambers, hiad described tins payment of a fee as bribery. ye explained that a number of people had lost property they were supposed to receive from the Government through some mistake in a Government office. A lease went astray, and the 'property wias lost. The fee paid was more in the nature of nn expedition fee -to secure similar treatment to that accorded in other cases. Mr. tiaddon did not think he was doing anything wrong.

His Honor said that tihe member of Parliament, who, he believed, was a farmer, receiving a fee from a respectable member of the Bar, probably thought there could ibe no wrong in accepting it. Payment of such a fee was most improper, and he would not assist nn.v practitioner in recovering money .paid a member of Parliament to secure his service. The payment was improper, but Mr. Hutchison lhad not said it should not have been made, and he should acknowledge it.

Mr. Richmond said ihis client was prepared to repay the amount milder certain conditions.

His Honor mwde «n order for delivery of the documents. Claimant's counsel did not ask for costs.