Editor’s Apology To Speaker Accepted

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31462, 31 August 1967, Page 22

Editor’s Apology To Speaker Accepted

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 30.

The Attorney-Gen-eral (Mr Hanan) reported today that the Privileges Committee of Parliament had recommended that no further action be taken on an editorial in the “New Zealand Statesman” containing allegations against the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Mr Jack).

He said the unjustified attack on the Speaker was an affront to Parliament itself and deserving of the censure of the House. The allegations, together with the other reflections contained in the editorial, constituted a serious breach of privilege. “Though the committee views with great displeasure any statements likely to diminish the dignity of the Speaker and therefore of the House itself, nevertheless, in view of the fact that a gratuitous attack on the Speaker of this sort is unprecedented and is unlikely to be repeated, and in view of the fact that Rudman (Mr B. C. Rudman, editor of the newspaper) has made substantial expression of his contrition and regret, it recommends that no further action be taken,” Mr Hanan said. Mr Hanan said the editorial, published over the initials “8.C.R.,” appeared in the May 30 issue of the “New Zealand Statesman.” Prejudice Alleged Quoting from the committee’s report, Mr Hanan said: “The allegations in the editorial, that the Speaker was willing to permit derogatory interjections based on racial prejudice and that he was not willing to intervene to secure the withdrawal of such re-

marks, are completely without foundation and unwarranted.

“Indeed, it should be said that so far as the committee is aware, no member of the House has at any time had any thought that the Speaker entertained the slightest feelings of racial prejudice.

“It should also be added that the member speaking at the time of the incident (Mr M. Rata, Lab., Northern Maori) on which the editorial was based, did not consider there had been any lapse or lack of propriety whatever on the part of the Speaker.”

Mr Hanan said the commit tee noted that an apology addressed to the Speaker was published by Rudman on the

front page of the “New Zealand Statesman” on July 25, acknowledging that the article contained statements against the character and integrity of Mr Jack—-more particularly as to racialism—which were unwarranted.

Rudman also acknowledged that Mr Jack, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, had always maintained the highest standards of personal integrity and impartiality. The Attorney-General said Rudman—who explained his conduct before the committee —tendered his sincere regret to the committee and the House for the offence which his editorial had given and expressed his sense of contrition.