THE BRYCE EPISODE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3155, 13 September 1892, Page 3

THE BRYCE EPISODE.

TO TH K KIiITOK. Sir, — Your i-.*uo of August 17tli contains an article on the Hryc<; incidents, 1 which is in one of its important features somewhat n.i-leading viz., whore you slate " Tln s Premier had tlie opportunity of doing- an act of justice in a generous , manner ; but he selected a course which evidences that generosity is not a prominent, feature in his character when tho reputation of a political opponent is involved." 'Phis statement shows that you were not familiar with tho ciicurn>tai:ees which fruided the action of tho Premier in dealing with the Kryce case in its latest phase. The circumstances are briefly as follows One day tha Premier sent for me, and stated that, he wns very desirous for the House to give effect to Mr McGuire's resolution, and asked me, as a personal favour, to ascertain the probable chances of his resolution being passed, explaining at the same time that the Government could not make it u parry question, and consequently the object of obtaining tho " strenirth " in favour of Mr McGuire's resolution could be better ascertained through me (as I had always quietly supported Kryce), than through the medium of the " whips. - ' In comp'iance with this request I " pricked a card," and found that there was no possibility of the House passing any resolution to remove the censure from Mr 13ryce uuless Sir J. Vogel obtained a similar concession. I reported this to the Premier, who then asked me to conhr with MrT. Thompson, and together draft a resolution which in our opinion would be acceptable to the House and have the effect of doing what Mr Bryce and his friends had asked. Contrary to all party practice, directly this was agreed upon, I saw Mr Rolleston, leader of the Opposition, and told him exactly what had been arranged ; be thanked me for the eourtesey shown, said he could not tell me then whether or not it would be acceptable to bis party but would consult them and let me know [ their decision. I have never heard a word from Mr Rolleston since, which to say the least is not characteristic of grace or consideration. I wrote to Mr Bryce and explained the whole affair to him, and got a nice letter in reply, complaining certainly of the ungenerous action of the Government, but virtually accepting the. situation. It is not for me to attribute motives to the Opposition ; hut the inaction of the leader and the positive action of Sir John Hall, who blocked the resolution which subsequently passed, has certainly lent strength to the assertion that neither Sir John Hall or the Hon. Mr Rolleston desired to have the resolution, which had the effect of keeping the Hon. John Bryce out of Parlia- ! ment. expunged from the journals of the House. I think this simple statement of the facts of the case will prove to jour 1 readers that the Premier was not un- ' generous in dealing with the latest phase of a painful incident, brought about by , indiscretion on the one side and petulance on the other.—l am, &c., F. LAWRV. Wellington, August 29th, 1592.