BOUGHT HONOURS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 2 July 1924, Page 7

BOUGHT HONOURS.

A REMARKABLE C-ASE OFFER TO PROCURE KNIGHTHOOD. BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION— COPYRIGHT Received July 2, 9.45 a m , . LONDON, July 1. Lieutenant-Colonel George Parkinson cuiector for a firm of building c-ontrac-tois at Blackpool, unfolded a remarkable story before Air Justice. Lusli. .He aV i S n.-f V^en^ e Ahat he was introduced m 1921 to Ernest Harrison, managing secretary of the College- of Ambulance, which instructs the public in ambulance \ork. Harrison . said , the College, through the president, the late Princess Christian, has a call on certain Royal honours and also political honours. He was then arranging ror a. peerage for £IOO,OOO and baronetcy for £25,000, and said he could gei. e.ny Honours provided he- paid She price. He offered to procure Parkinson a knighthood for £20,000, and. suggested £IO,OOO down and the. balance in instalments extending over five years. Parkinson, after consulting his solicitor, paid £3OOO and agreed to build a college new lecture hall, and also to give "the college.^a further £5000.. He received a, letter from Princess Christian, expressing sincere gratitude for the splendid gift. Harrison, after failing to get the. Conservative whip to take up the matter, called in. the aid ;o-f Mrs Robin.s, who gave Parkinson a letter of introduction to an official of the central Conservative offices. An. official asked Pairkitison. what he could dot foil him, and Parkinson said: “The .truth'. is I have come here to get a. knighthood.” After.hearing the full story, the offi-*' eial said: ‘T am afraid you have been' fooled.” Parkinson gave evidence that his brother had since become Sir .Lindsay Parkinson. Cross-examining counsel: c ‘'Y.our'stan- ; darcl of honintr permits you to biiy an honour?” * ’ . Parkinson: ‘‘Yes; like thousands of others. It is being done every day.” Parkinson is suing the- college and also Harrison for £3OOO damages, alleging fraudulent representation. The case is adjourned.—Sydney Sun Cables. •