ALLEGATION BY MR DEAS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28080, 22 September 1956, Page 12

ALLEGATION BY MR DEAS

Mr Gotz’s Actions In New Caledonia REMARK WITHDRAWN AFTER PROTESTS (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 21. Mr J. M. Deas (Opposition, Otahuhu), speaking in the House of Representatives today during discussion of the Police Department’s estimates, asked Mr F. L. A. Gotz (Government, Manukau) whether he would submit to a police investigation of a claim that he (Mr Gotz) had masqueraded as a soldier in New Caledonia during the recent celebrations there. Mr Gotz said he had nothing to fear, and would welcome any police inquiry into his affairs. The Prime Minister (Mr Holland) said Mr Deas’s remark seemed to him to be a plain personal attack. No member of Parliament was entitled to reflect on another’s integrity, and the police estimates could not be used for such a purpose. Mr J. J. Maher (Government. Otaki): Withdraw and apologise. Mr Deas (to the Acting-Chairman of Committees, Mr E. P. Aderman): Could I explain— Mr Holland: No. I cannot be submitted to that sort of thing. “Attitude Warranted”

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash) said the Prime Minister was warranted in his attitude, but the member for Manukau had said that any method to detect crime was justified. Mr Nash said he could not defend the statement that any method was justified to detect crime, but a persona] matter had been mentioned, and should House aVe beeD brought up in the Mr Deas (addressing the acting-

chairman): Could I explain the matter behind my statement? Mr Aderman: The honourable member would be well advised to withdraw first, and then explain. Mr Deas: Yes. I was shown a souvenir pamphlet of the celebrations in New Caledonia and I accepted the statement of a constituent of the member for Manukau. The member was in a photograph, and was wearing i what appeared to me to be former servicemen's medals. I Mr Gotz said a direct attack had been made by the member of Otahuhu. | and it was contemptible. “I am prepared to produce to any suitable authority my credentials as a returned serviceman, showing my service in the Army and Air Force,” said* Mr Gotz, adding that he had no wish i to parade his war service, / v