WITHOUT MR. MASSEY'S KNOWLEDGE.

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 138, 9 December 1919, Page 8

WITHOUT MR. MASSEY'S KNOWLEDGE.

•AUCKLAND,'7th December.

Referring to the Press Association message from Aahburton yesterday regarding the statement said to have been made by Mr. H. M. Jones, to the. effect that the Rev. Howard Elliott had asked him to withdraw from the contest, and to ba rewarded with -a, seat in the Upper House, the Prime Minister said : "I believe the Ashburton incident referred to in the Press Association message to be a political tricky such as we have had experience of in previous, elections in New Zealand. However, one thing is-quite certain ; I have never been consulted directly or indirectly about the matter. . nor would -I allow such a proceeding. The suggestion is, to my mind, absurd on the face of it. It is stated in the telegram that Mt.' Jones is a Democratic Liberal candidate, and, this being the case, I cannot understand his withdrawal being in any way likely to benefit the Reform candidate, although for genuine Liberalism the latter is probably ahead of the other two candidates. I hope the matter will be thoroughly sifted, and the blame placed upon the right shoulders. If I can assist in any way I shall be very glad to do so. The electors through, out the Dominion who are working with me are out on our side for a straight, clean contest, absolutely free from improper methods or sharp practice in any way whatever." v \ ____