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Otaki Mail, 29 August 1930, Page 1

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MR G. HUTCHISON'S DEATH. THE BUN TUCK EPISODE. One of the most remarkable episodes in the history of the New Zealand Parliament is recalled by the death of MiGeorge Hutchison, feu- many years member for J'atea. It was known as the Bun Tuck episode, and caused a big political stir at the time. Mr Hutchison alleged that the then Premier (the late Mr R. J. Seddon) was once connected with Chinese in business ou the West Coast, and that he was there a partner with certain Chinamen; one of them being known as Bun Tuck. The allegations were fully investigated by a special committee of the House, and as a result it was decided to expunge all reference to the affair from "Hansard." Mr Seddon was completely vindicated and Mr Hutchison discredited. The committee found that at one time Mr Seddon was the registered owner of a share in a mining claim along with a party of Chinamen, but the Premier, in a sworn statement, gave the explanation that he took a transfer of the share in trust for a Ch|nam:tn who was going home on .1 visit, and that he held it only on account of his client.

"In regard to Mr Hutchison's charge that Mr Seddon was the person known as Bun Tuck, your committee has hud no evidence placed before it," continued the finding. "There is evidence of the existence of a Chinaman named Bun Tuck, who was one of the shareholders in the mining claim referred to, which mining party was variously known as the Turn Sum and Bun Tuck party; and your committee has little doubt that Mr Hutchison epgci-'rtylng this is in error." Whtm the rppo!'! wast presented there was a keen debate in Parliament. Mr Seddon said that a letter in English was taken to Sir Thomas Gale, who sent it to a Chinaman. The latter was askeil to translate it into Chinese. When that was done it was handed back, and then taken to Mr Hutchison The decision to delete the incident from "Hansard" records was carried by 35 votes to 21.