BITTER CLASH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 177, 29 July 1938, Page 11

BITTER CLASH.

TWO MEMBERS. WAR SERVICE RECALLED. " DISGRACEFT/IXT LIBELLED." fßy Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this dW. A brief but bitter clash between Mr. W. P. Meachen (Government, Wairau) and Mr. W. J. Poison (National, Stratford) took place in the House of Representatives yesterday during the Budget debate.

Mr. Meachen said that the member for Stratford had made sneering references during his speech about men who skulked behind prison bars when others were fighting for their country in the Great War.

"I would remind him that one-third of the members of tne Government are returned soldiers," added Mr. Meachen.

Mr. S. G. Holland (National, Christchurch North): It the same with the Opposition. Mr. Meachen: I believe it is a fnet that Mr. Poison was at Trentham for about two weeks and that he got out. During his speech he seemed to be trying to create the impression that lie had done some great service during the war. Probably be did, but it would be to himself. He probably made more profits during the war than he has done at any time before or since. Rising to a point of order at the conclusion of Mr. Meachen's speech, Mr. Poison said he wished to make a personal explanation and was granted permission by Mr. Speaker. * Mr. Poison: I have been disgracefully libelled by the member for Wairau. (Government laughter.) Mr. Speaker: Order. You should withdraw those words.

Mr. Poison: Then I will do so, but I wish to say that, though I was a married man and had four children, I made all my preparations for going to the war, but it ended before my class was called up. Mr. W. J. Lyon (Government, Waiteinata): Didn't you volunteer? Mr. Poison: I was not a volunteer, but I was ready to do my bit. I.also want to say that I made no money out of the war. I was very much poorer as the result of the war, but I did look after the affairs of several of my friends and neighbuors, and endeavoured to do what service I could until my turn cameto be called up. ("Hear, hear," from the Opposition benches.)