N.Z. may pass up Carta offer

Press, 16 July 1980, Page 1

N.Z. may pass up Carta offer

PA ... : ’ Wellington The chances that . the Government will pay more than $1 million for. a thirteenth century copy of Magna Carta are remote, according to the Minis-

ter of Internal Affairs (Mr Highet). “I do not think we will,” Mr Highet said last evening when asked why the Government was considering paying that much for the copy. “I do not think we can Afford that money at this, time,” he said. The Press Association reported from London that New Zealand was considering buying one of 12 authentic thirteenth century copies, said to be worth between $1 million and $2.4 million. Mr Highet said the fact that ah approach to the Government. had been “leaked” to the newspapers was causing “considerable embarrassment.” “We would have to have the solid (financial) support of the Law . Society before we would seriously, consider it,” he .said..’.' •', ’ The Under-Secretary qf

Internal Affairs (Mr Comber), said it would be . “some weeks” before the Government, would decide whether to, take up the offer. to'. .. . He said the Government

would have to be coni' vinced■ ’that the copy — reputed, to be the last re- ■ maining in .private hands > — W as authentic, before it would agree to any pur- ;■■ ■’ chase.; \to ■ • '