COMPLAINT FROM OPPOSITION

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25274, 28 August 1947, Page 8

COMPLAINT FROM OPPOSITION

PROCEDURE ADOPTED

COMMITTEE OF HOUSE NOT YET APPOINTED (P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 27. A protest against the procedure adopted in bringing to the notice of the House of Representatives the Government’s proposal to change the constitution of Western Samoa was made by the Leader of the’ Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) this afternoon after a statement had been made by the Act-ing-Prime Minister (Mr W. Nash). Mr Holland complained of delay in setting up the proposed International Affairs Committee of the House. Mr Holland said the announcement came as a great surprise and contained some highly controversial matter. It was not usual for controversial subjects to be raised when a Minister was given permission by the House to make a statement. Was the Government proposing to introduce legislation affecting Samoa? Mr Nash: Yes. Mr Holland said there was no indication of that in the statement. New Zealanders had a great respect for the people of Samoa, and the House had to make sure that no mistake was made. He considered all the papers and information concerning the proposed legislation should be laid before all members of the House. In view of the promise made by the Prime Minister before he left for Canberra that an international affairs committee would be set up to consider matters such as were now proposed, why had that committee not yet been set up? asked Mr Holland. Opoosition nominations for the committee had been forwarded to the Prime Minister, but nothing had happened yet. “Near Breach of Alleged He suggested that the committee be set up immediately and that no further steps be taken until the whole Samoan question and related documents had been examined. A principle was involved, and he

considered a near breach of faith had been committed by the Acting-Prime Minister. Mr Nash said the House would have every opportunity to discuss whatever legislation was necessary. The normal procedure had been followed, and the legislation would come to the House for determination. All information would be made available to members. He was anxious that an international affairs committee should be set up as soon as possible. Mr K. J. Holyoake (Opposition, Pahiatua); The session is already half over. Mr Nash said it was the Government’s policy to give Samoans the maximum of self-government. No discourtesy was intended by taking this course to give notice of the Government’s intentions. Mr Holland: I accent that statement without any reservation.