TENSE MOMENT IN THE HOUSE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19057, 20 July 1927, Page 10

TENSE MOMENT IN THE HOUSE.

PRIME MINISTER INDIG-

NANT.

CHARGE OF CUTTING 'HANSARD PROOF.

[THE PRESS Special Service.]

WELLINGTON, July 19. There was a tense situation in the House of . Representatives this afternoon for a few minutes, when the Leader of the Opposition, Mr H. E. Holland, made an allegation that the Prime Minister had cut his Hansard proof in a recent speech on the troubles in Samoa.

Mr Holland credited the Prime Minister with the statement that there was no intention of deporting any Europeans from Samoa, and he repeated the remark this afternoon.

Mr Coates was working at his desk, but he lifted his head for a moment to ask who had said that.

Mr Holland: The Prime Minister. You can turn it up in Hansard. Mr Coates: Are you quite certain? Mr Holland: As certain as the Prime Minister is uncomfortable in his seat.

Mr Coaxes: Not at all uncomfortable. Prom what are you quoting? The "Maoriland Worker"?

The subject was dropped for a moment while Mr Coates procured a copy of Hansard about that statement. "It is not in Hansard," ho interrupted a few minutes later.

Mr Holland: Yes, it is. Mr Coates: Here is a copy, and it is not in here.

Mr Holland: Then if it is not in, the right hon. gentleman must have cut it out of tha-proof. Mr Coates was quickly on his feet on a point of order. He asked the Speaker if a member could make such a statement about another member of the House. He had not made the statement attributed to him, that no European would be deported. It had been made as au interjection by another member in the House.

Mr Holland said his Hansard proof had shown it was the Prime Minister who had made the interjection. Mr Coates: It was not mine. The House knows my views on that matter. I see the "Maoriland Worker" quotes me as having said it.

Mr Holland said he would have to accept the Prime Minister's assurance.