SERIOUS INTERFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 74, 6 July 1910, Page 4

SERIOUS INTERFERENCE

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT CRITI- . CISED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, Mr. T. H. Davey made a personal explanation regarding an action of his which had been much criticised. He had, at the instance ot a friend who had been arrested for drunkenness, made Representations to ihe Police Inspector. He ought not to have done so, and bitterly regretted his action.

Mr. T. E. Taylor, of Christcliurch, mud it had been stated that 'the name had v been altered on the charge sheet. The man arrested was o£ good character, bait falsification of records was a serious matter. While Mr 1 . Davey acted from friendly motives, he did not think a member of Parliament showed a dear idea of his duties in approaching a police officer with a view to influencing the course of justice. Mr. Taylor went on to refer to the approaching election of Chairman of Committees, stating that any member of Parliament guilty of such misdemeanour was unfit to occupy • the position, but he was called upon by the .Speaker to confine himself to the question before the House. Sir Joseph Ward said that upon the receipt of a report on the matter, it was considered by Cabinet that no one was justified in attempting 1 to influence «.n officer of justice. Mr. Davey had admitted his fault, which had been prompted by good motives. The clear duty of the Government in such watters was to protect the public service. The particular officer concerned had a clean record ,of thirtv-five years, .and it was unfortunate tlmt he should now have such a chirp? i gainst him. The Government still had the matter under consideration, but would come to a. decision soon.