ALLEGED HONOURS ABUSE

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1933, Page 9

ALLEGED HONOURS ABUSE

STORY TOLD AT BOW STREET

WHITEHALL GAZETTE’S EDITOR.

REQUEST FOR MONEY ALLEGED.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL’S OPENING.

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 9.15 p.m. London, Feb. 16. Maundy Gregory, editor of the Whitehall Gazette, was charged at Bow Street to-day with an offence against the Honours Prevention of Abuses Act. The Attorney-General declared that Lieutenant-Commander Edward Leake was approached by a stranger, Moffat, who said the highest authorities desired to honour him. He arranged a meeting with Gregory, who declared “sinews were necessary to open closed doors.” He suggested the payment of from £lO,000 to £12,000, and discussed the prices of honours. He produced a document detailing his credentials, including his orders and war record and a power of attorney held for certain people. Lieutenant-Commander Leake suggested discussing the matter with three prominent people. Gregory agreed regarding two and asked him to refrain from speaking to the third. Lieutenant-Com-mander Leake informed the authorities and subsequently told Gregory he desired to drop the business. Gregory begged for reconsideration and asked for from £2OOO to £3OOO to “keep the pot boiling.” The case was adjourned. s