THE PRIVILEGE CASES

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10572, 1 March 1912, Page 5

THE PRIVILEGE CASES

REPORT TO.THE HOUSE

NO ACTION TAKEN

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Last Night. ' Mr J. A.. Hainan reported to-the House of liooii .that the Privilege; Committee--had decided that it., could. n&tTpursuethe inquiry further. Mr Massey had: respectively declined to the letter he quoted from. Sir Joseph Ward had moved that the (further consideration of the matter fee deferred, without abrogating the right of Parliament, or establishing a precedent. In regard to the second case, the Committee reported that there was no proof against Sir Joseph Ward, MiBrown, or Mr Payne. The Hon. A. Miller 'moved that the report he endorsed ,by the House.

In) respect to the alleged offering of a bribe by MoMaster, the Committee reported that the evidence was cbnj flieting, and no decision was come to. **Sir Joseph Ward moved the endorsement of the finding. '''■'■.. (' * Mr Fisher .moved as an amendment';: , "That the evidence clearly showed that Mr Payne's" statement-that MeMaster was muddled with drink was not sttbstamtiate&'s .-.-..

Sir Joseph Ward said the question of iMoMaster's condition was not before the House. He know MeMaster, but he urged it was inadvisable to cany such an unpleasant matter further. After considerable discussion, during which Mr Payne said Mr Fisher seemed to appear to have-no regard for ■■ his (Mr Payne's) honour, Mr Fisher's (amendment was Tost oil the voices, and Sir Joseph Ward's and the Hon. J. A. 'Millar'?; motion's were carried.