MR MASSEY'S LETTER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 208, 1 March 1912, Page 5

MR MASSEY'S LETTER.

REPORT OF PRIVILEGE COMMITTEE. MATTER TO BE DROPPED. ',; By Telegraph—Press Association. \ Wellington, Last Night. i In the House of. Representatives this ' i afternoon, Mr. Hanan reported to the ■ House that the Privilege Committee had! . , decided that the committee could not pursue the inquiry further, as Mr. Mas- . ~■» sey had respectfully declined tcvproduce . v the letter quoted from. Sir J. G. Ward moved that, further,;, 3 consideration of the matter be deferred/ ,;* without abrogating the right of Parlia- v ment or establishing a precedent..,' '§ No. 2.—There was no proof against Sir J. G. Ward, Mr. Payne or Mr. Payne. ' 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. *ndorsement. • ■ Mr. Fisher moved as an amendment tbjat .' the evidence clearly showed that Mr. ' ~' Payne's statement that McMaster was muddled with drink was not substantiated. Sir J. G. Ward said the question of 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) honor, Mr. Fisher's amendment was lost on the voices, and Sir J. G. Ward's and Mr. Millar's motions were ' carried.