“COCK-AND-BULL”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21854, 26 October 1945, Page 2

“COCK-AND-BULL”

MINISTER’S STORY

OPPOSITION MOVE (P.R.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 26. Though indignantly denied by the Opposition, the statement was made in the House of Representatives last night by the Minister of Health, the Hon. A. H. Nordmsyer, that the National Party intended, if by chance it became the Government, to reduce the number of electorates to 40. “I have the best of reasons for saying this,” added the Minister. It was intended as a subtle move to leave the country quota as it is and thus reduce the influence of the workers on the Parliament of this country.” “Where did you get that wild statement?” asked Mr. F. W. Doidge (Opp., Tauranga). “A cock-and-bull story,” commented another Opposition member. The Minister went on to say that there was no intention to consult the electors about the Nationalist plan., “Tell us another funny story,” suggested Mr. Doidge. Mr. Speaker intervened to declare that there were far too many interjections and nearly every member had spoken in that way half a dozen times. He suggested, that Mr. Doidge .could tell his own funny story later on —(laughter.) The Minister contended that the country quota was introduced to compensate landed interests for the abolition of the system under which the property owner could exercise half a dozen votes if he had property in that number of electorates.

“No regard for the truth at all,” declared Mr. Doidge, whg had to withdraw this remark on ' Mr. Speaker’s direction.