THE NOLAN CASE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 289, 6 September 1928, Page 12

THE NOLAN CASE

MENTIONED IN PARLIAMENT ALLEGATIONS DENIED STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER The case of the migrant Nolan and the interpretation placed on the circumstances of his death by the London “Daily Herald,” were mentioned in the House of Representatives yesterday. The Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) denied the truth of statements contained in Nolan’s letter and the allegations that hundreds of immigrants were wandering about the country. He advised Labour secretaries to ascertain the facts before they rushed statements into print, and dropped a broad hint to union secretaries who endeavour to collect dues from relief workers before they are established in their jobs. The question was raised by Mr. J. C. Rolleston (Waitomo), who drew tha attention of the Prime Minister to the cable message crediting the London “Daily Herald” with publication of lengthy details of the case of.Dominie Nolan, found dead at Otaika, together with a letter from the secretary of the Waitomo Labour Party, stating that he incident was only one of many a like nature which had recently occurred. The letter added: “Hundreds of starving men are wandering over the roads of the country.” Mr. Rolleston asked the Prime Minister if the report as published was correct; whether, if the statements attributed to the secretary of the Waitomo Labour Party were incorrect, he would have them immediately contradicted; and whether some means could not be adopted to prevent irresponsible individuals from making false statements that would detrimentally affect the credit of the Dominion and the districts from .vhich they emanated. In reply the Prime Minister stated that Nolan, who was 49 years of age, arrived in Wellington on March 12, 1925. Although he was not an assisted migrant, he was met on arrival by the officers of the Department of Immigration and offered assistance, advice, and work. He, however, decided to fend for himself, and proceeded to North Auckland. He was not heard of again until October, 1926, when he obtained work on a farm, remaining in that position until March, 1928. He was housed, fed. and paid well by his employer. He did not have to work when he did not feel like it, and he pleased himself when he knocked off. When he left that job he had a plentiful supply of clothes and drew £8 10s. as balance of wages owing to him. He obtained another position which he left ou April 26, drawing £1 12s. 6d. He proceeded to Whangarei, spending his money. He wandered a couple of miles out of town and lay down in some scrub, where he died. The remains were discovered on July 20. The Leader of the. Opposition (Mr. H. E. Holland) : It is not denied that a letter was found with him. The Prime Minister: It is a little difficult for me to go into all the particulars. I have further information I think it is not desirable to use. He was arrested and was convicted at Whangarei. He was also an inmate of the Whangarei Hospital for some weeks suffering from heart trouble. I suggest it would be advisable for Labour secretaries to ascertain all the facts iu regard to these matters. They are available from the head of the Department of Immigration. Mr. J. A. Lee (Auckland East): There are any amount of immigrants out of work! The Leader of the Opposition: Was it not this man’s own letter which appeared in the “Daily Herald”? The Prime Minister: That I cannot say. The information, according to the report, was supplied by the Labour secretary at Waitomo. Mr. H. T. Armstrong (Christchurch East): I read it in an Auckland newspaper. The Prime Minister: The letter is incorrect and the statements are incorrect and misleading. Mr. Armstrong: I don’t know about that. The Prime Minister: When it is suggested that, hundreds of immigrants are walking about the country starving, all I can say is that it is ridiculous nonsense. It is incorrect. The Leader of the Opposition: It (Continued at foot of next column.)