BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 16 November 1932, Page 4

BREACH OF PRIVILEGE

The Macintosh Addendum CITY PROTEST MEETING Scene Of Great Enthusiasm (JHEERED BY REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING Two things above all characterised tli© meeting held at noon yesterday m the Dominion Farmers’ Institute Conference Hall, Wellington, to do honour to Air. Alexander Macintosh, a member of the Royal Commission or National Expenditure, for the stand he took when accused recently of a breach of privilege (says to-day’s “Dominion.”). Tim first feature was undoubtedly the remarkable atmosphere of enthusiasm and unanimity which

animated the proceedings from beginning to end. But hardly less striking was the, fact that Mr. Macintosh’s well-wishers proved to bo one of the most .representative gatherings, if not actually the most representative gathering of its size, that lias ever assembled m Wellington.

Members of Parliament, bankers, lawyers, doctors, and other professsional men, business men, and members of all classes of the community packed into the hall, and taxed its accommodation to tlie utmost. Many stood on chairs and tables at the back and sides of the hall. Others packed the vestibule, and some could not come near enough outside to hear wliat was being said within. Taken together, it was a stirring demonstration. The chairman was Mr. A E. Mabin, who had with him on the stage Colonel F. Burton Mabin, Mr. C. A. L. Treadwell, and Air. A. R. Atkinson. Two resolutions (published in the “Star” yesterday) approving Air. Alacintosh'3 attitude were carried unanimously.

Jn a letter apologising for his absence, th© Alayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hisiop, wlio was to have presided, said that he had long had the. privilege of knowing Air. Alacintosh and was well aware of his many fine personal qualities, and of his lift of public service. It was with great- indignation that the Alayor had read of the at- ' tacks which bail been made upon Mr. Alacintosh and in his private capacity be gladly joined with the meeting in. expressing appreciation of Mr,. Macintosh’s many public services and sympathy with liim for the attacks which had " been made upon him by some members of the Legislature. Other letters and telegrams of apoli ogv were also read to the meeting., i “Mr Macintosh was invited to come to this meeting,’’ ‘said Air. Alabin, “but lie is a modest, man and does not like limelight, though he has had it thrust upon him, and preferred not to be present. 1 told him many who did riot know him, but who wished to shake his hand, would be present, j (Applause). He was good enough to say that he deeply appreciated the 1 kind spirit of all, aud as he could not acknowledge pH the bifid messages that had been showered upon him, he would come along after the business of the meeting was over and meet citizens So we may have the pleasure of seeing, Mr. Macintosh later.” (Applause). “We desire to-day to do honour to a citizen who has served for many years m business and in semi-publio capacities. lam not concerned with the business aspect, further than to point out (incidentally that when a younger man by sonic 30 years he | was Government auditor of the Bank of New Zealand and afterwards general manager. He had then to take a firm stand against Government interferences in the 'internal management of the bank. Again in 1906, when) president of the New South Wales Savings Bank in Sydney, ho had to take up the same strong attitude in tli© interest of the public. 1 mention this to show that even then he knew what was the right thing to do. and no pressure from politicians could make him diverge from the proper course. (Applause). “Since then,” Air. Alabin continued, “the thanks of citizens are due to him for many services to the State He served on the Public Trust Office. Commission in 1912, on tlie Alunitions Supply Board during the war, the Soldiers’ Pensions Commission, 1920, the Commission on Poverty Bay Freezing Works in 1925. ' For sixteen years he lias served on the War Relief Executive and ns a trustee of the Flock House Fund during all its .existence.

“His most recent service, as we all know, lias been on the National Expenditure Commission, to which he has devoted months of hard, trying, disagreeable work. His reward is to bo defamed and denounced in a manner which has raised ire and indignation throughout New Zealand. (Hear, hear).

Many speeches followed, every speaker expressing indignation at the treatment meted out to Mr. Macintosh and expressing r/dnnration for the stand he had taken.

“Never at this -stage or any other stage of the proceedings,” said one speaker, “in the House or m the Committee-, was there (any evidence of appreciation by the House or anybody else that they were dealing with an officer of the Crown who was entitled to the .same treatment as a- judge or magistrate. I suggest that the next time the Chief Justice acts m the capacity of a commissioner they will call him up. I should lilco to be there when Air. Speaker started on his job. (Laughter). They wouM arrive at the unanimous conclusion chat on account of the advanced age of the Chief Justice no further action was desirable. (Laughter). The resolutions were carried unanimously and with great enthusiasm. At this stage (continues the “Dominion” report) Sir. Macintosh himself. who had not boon present at the meeting, appeared, very retiringly atthe hack of the stage. The audience rose as oiio man and sang with great vigour; “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.” It was followed by rousing cheers. Air. Alabin read tbe first resolution which had been carried, an<) told Air. Alacintosh that he himself had never been at a meeting characterised by so much enthusiasm, or at one which had spoken more from its heart than this meeting had spoken. Many of the audience remained behind to shake Mr. Macintosh’s hand.