“STAY OFF-SIDE”

Evening Star, Issue 19349, 8 September 1926, Page 2

“STAY OFF-SIDE”

IMSTEB’S ADVISE TO MEMBER IB mm “ KOGKS THE BOAT" [From Our Parliamentary Reporter] WELLINGTON, September 7. A vigorous attack on the motor omnibus legislation from Mr Harris, member for Waitemata, was followed in the tlouso to-night by a heavy cold douche trom Mr Downie Stewart (Minister of Finance), who demanded that the Government supporter consider his position. Mr Stewart declared that he did not not question the member's rignt to criticise the Government, the Motor Bus Committee, or the regulations, but he had no right to criticise the commercial morality of the Government or to say that in their action they wore putting money into the pockets of their friends. “ if the hon. member,” continued the Acting Leader of the Government, “ takes a public opportunity of saying that the Government subordinates public interest to the private interests of its friends, then i invito him to consider bus position, because if he wishes to be olf-sido ho should bo off-side, and stay off-side. Tho hon. member can make his peace with his leader if lie likes, but, while i am only the temporary leader, 1 will not tolerate a member ol this party attacking the commercial' morality and integrity of tho Government, and 1 ask him, if he intends to pursue that policy, to decide what course to adopt. If his convictions are genuine, as ho says they are, thou it is impossible for him to maintain liis position and remain in this party.” . Mr Harris received the rebuke m silence, but comment promptly came from a Labor member, Mr Sullivan, who opened his speech smilingly with tho suggestion that the member for Waitemata had effectively * rocked the boat.” After his severe caning it would bo very interesting to see what would ultimately happen.