LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 July 1941, Page 7

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

DR. McMILLAN’S POSITION WELLINGTON, July 17. In the House to-day, a question as to whether or not Doctor McMillan (Government Member for Dunedin West), should be granted fourteen days’ leave of 'absence from the House for urgent public business, was raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, when the Government Whip, Mr. J. O’Brien asked that Dr. McMillan should be granted such leave. Mr. Holland said Dr. McMillan .had contested the Dunedin Mayoralty, and had publicly stated that he had not the intention of coming to Parliament. That seemed to be veiy close to a breach of privilege, or something of that type. Mr. Holland ’ commented that it would have been better if Dr. McMillan had asked leave on the ground of urgent private business. The Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Nash, said that he did not know the reason for Dr. McMillan asking leave, but he did not think that he would be paid if he did not attend. Knowing Dr. McMillan, he had no doubt that, if he had not had urgent public business, he would have been present in the House. He would ascertain Dr. McMillan’s reasons. The Speaker, Mr. W. E. Barnard, dealing with the point of order, said that a Member had a right to seek leave of absence as, otherwise the question of the forfeiture of his seat might arise. Even if leave were granted, there was still a rule providing a penalty if a member were absent for more than fourteen days. He suggested that, in this case, leave be granted, and that the Acting Prime Minister perhaps could look into the matter. Mr. O’Brien said that this was the first time in his memory that this matter had been raised. He had known of members being away for nearlv the whole session. Leave of absence was granted Dr. McMillan, and leave for the remainder of the session was granted Mr. A. F. Moncur (Govt., Rotorua), on account of his enlistment with the military forces. —P.A. ’ DOCTOR’S EXPLANATION. DUNEDIN, July 18. Dr. McMillan, when approached regarding the question raised in the House, said there was obviously some misunderstanding, for reference to his request to the Government Whip would' disclose that he simply asked for two weeks’ leave, not leave on the grounds of urgent public business. The only reason for absence which automatically exempted a Member from a fine was his own sickness, or his family’s sickness.