THE CADMAN V. REES CASE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9292, 30 August 1893, Page 5

THE CADMAN V. REES CASE.

The following is a copy of letter sent to the .Premier, to the members of Parliament, and to the Press of the colony by the Council of the National Association here :—

123, Queen-street, Auckland, 25th August, 1893. To the lion. E. J. Sedilon, Premier of New Zealand, Wellington. Sir, The Council of the National Association of New Zealand (Auckland section) desire respectfully to» bring to your notice the fact that no inquiry lias yet been made by Parliament into the grave charges made by Mr. Rees, when a member of Parliament, against Mr. Uadman, who at the time was Minister for Native Affairs. An action for libel—Uadman v. Rees—showed that Mr. Rees hud over•tepped the bounds of fair criticism in his methods and statements : and a subsequent arrangement between the parties led to both resigniug their seats in Parliament and contesting an election in the City of Auckland constituency, with the result that Mr. Rees failed to secure re-election. But neither the contest in the Supreme Court nor at the pollin}; booths elicited the facts of the case, In the interests of the commonwealth, it seems needful that a strict Parliamentary inquiry should bo held, and steps taken to clearly explain the late Minister's dealings with native lands. The principle that Ministers of the Crown should not use their influence fur private profit is too generally held to need re-atlirming ; but it is clearly proper that the, actions of Ministers should be also beyond suspicion. I am therefore desired by the Council of the National Association here to »sk if the Government will propose and pro•note the institution of a Commission, to inquire into and report upon the transactions which formed the basis of Mr. Rees' charges gainst the late Native Minister, Mr. A. J. Pacinian.—l have, etc., Jni). Hastxk, Secretary.