PAYNE V. MASSFY.

West Coast Times, 12 April 1912, Page 1

PAYNE V. MASSFY.

«*)?€> BASIS OF THE ACTION.

It is stated by the Napier Telegraph that the action for slander brought by Mr. John Payne, M.P., for Grey Lynn, against Mr. TV. F. Massey is based upon the report of the committee set up by the House to go into the allegations. The report reads:—“ That Privilege Committee, No. 1, to whom was referred the consideration of the writing and publishing of a letter, admitted to bo written to and received by the bon. Member for Franklyn, an extract from which letter was read in the House on Friday, the 23rd day of February, by the said honourable member, and a copy of which extract is as follows: “ You may remember my introducing you to young -——, son of who do not follow Ward. He worked hard and loyally for us in Parnell, Ponsonby, and especially in Grey Lynn. He now assures me that Payne has been squared (£1000) to support Ward on a no-confidence motion. So sure is ho of correctness of the information that he is offering level money up to £IOO on Payne voting against you on such motion, and does not waste any money on bets without some reason.” Wo have to report that your committee is unable to enquire further into the matters contained in tho order of reference by reason of the fact that Mi-. Massey, having been asked to produce the letter referred to and to give the name of the writer, respectfully declined to produce the letter or disclose the name of the writer.