THE BLACK PAMPHLET.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15861, 26 February 1912, Page 5

THE BLACK PAMPHLET.

—»■ THREAT OF FURTHER ACTION.

THE PRIME MINISTER INDIGNANT [From Our Cormssfqnuent.] WELLINGTON, February 23. The infamous Black pamphlet, which caused such a storm in the House ot Representatives two sessions ago, antl was the subject of frequent reference last vear, again figured in the exciting discussion which took place this afternoon. It was mentioned semi-casually by one of the speakers, and a little later the Prime Minister made a vigorous statement about it. Sir Joseph Ward said that he had not intended to raise the subject any more in the House, and would not have done so had it not been for the reference mad© to it. If he raised it again he would do so outside the House, and, then someone might ho very sorry. Ho would compel the man who bad furnished the details for the pamphlet to go upon his oath, and accept the responsibility, or else perjure himself. He knew a man who would swear an affidavit, and who had all the information concerning it. Mr Massey: So do I. Sir Joseph Ward: I don't know what information you have got, but I know what I have. ~ Mr Massey: The person who sent it to me said he sent the same to you. Sir Joseph Ward: I got it from two sources. I hope you have. I can name the man who did' it. Mr Massey: So can I. Sir Joseph Ward : And his employers too. I don't say it was anyone on the Opposition sido. Ido say it was a prominent supporter of the Opposition. Mr Massey warmly denied that the Opposition had anything to do with it. "You have not the information I have got then, that is clear," said the Prime Minister., He had never sug-. gested that the Opposition party had anvthing to do with the thing. Mr Massey: Are you speaking of Braund ? Sir Joseph Ward: It was not Braund, to his credit and honour be it said. He indignantly repudiated it. I could name the man. I have original letters in my possession, and if I found it necessary I would not mind naming the man outside the House. Mr Massey: Why not nams him now? Sir Joseph Ward: I know what I am doing. lam not romancing. 1 have the whole thing in black ar.d white from two sources, and if I chose I could, to-day, put one or two men into gaol for perjury over it. The Prime Minister added that he had intended never to refer to the matter again, as even his opponents regarded it as a cowardly, blackguardly thing.