QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1930, Page 9

QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE

INCIDENT IN HOUSE CLOSED EXPLANATION AND AN APOLOGY. MR. McKEE BLAMES MISREPORTING By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellinton, Last Night. Mr. Speaker in the House of Representatives to-day read a copy of a letter lie had sent to Mr. S. <j. McKee, a piember of ■ tlie Hawke’s Bay Hospital hoard, notifying him of the resolution passed by the House expressing the opinion that his explanation with respect to the "breach of privilege case was nil* satisiactory and evasive. He also read replies received from Mr. McKeo and 4is solicitors. Mr. McKee said he had asked a full meeting of the hospital board to state whether he hud used the words of which the complaint had been made. Unfortunately, owing to the lapse of time few of the members had retained a clear recollection of what had actually been said at the meeting, or by whom it had been said, blit ho was glad to say that a majority of the members present were of opinion that ho had not used the words attributed to him in the Napier Daily Telegraph. Mr. McKeo added that the reporter representing the Hawke's Bay Tnoune was emphatic that the objectionable words published by the Daily Telegraph had not been used. His report had been taken down in shorthand .and it supported the opinion previously expressed by Mr. McKeo that he had not accused Mr. W. E. Barnard of “deliberately lying.” Mr. McKee stated that he was anxious, however, that no personal reflection should remain 'on Mr. Barnard through the remarks published by the Daily Telegraph. It hud never been his intention to comment adversely upon Air. Barnard’s actions or sayings either in or. out of tho House of Representatives, and he regretted that his words could have been so construed, at least by the reporter for the Daily Telegraph. He therefore conveyed to Air. Barnard his sincere apology and regret for the pub* J: .tion and assured him that when speaking at the hospital board meeting he did not desire to convey the meaning reported. The Acting ; Priino Alinister, the Hon. E. . Ransom, moved that in view of Mr. McKee’s further explanation and expressions of regret contained in the letter no further action be taken against him. Air. Barnard stated that he personally was satisfied, 'and ho suggested that the explanation and apology should meet the requirements of the House.. The motion was adopted unanimously.