HEATED SCENE IN HOUSE: COMMENT ON AUCKLAND CUP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22757, 1 October 1948, Page 3

HEATED SCENE IN HOUSE: COMMENT ON AUCKLAND CUP

(P.R.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. “Has an honourable member the right to stand up in this House and utter a deliberate lie?” This question, addressed to the chair by Mr. W. S. Goosman (Oppos. Piako), created a lively scene in the House yesterday. Calm was restored after much discussion on a point of order when it was clear that no reflection had been cast on Mr. Goosman by remarks on last year’s Auckland Cup race made by Mr. F. Langstone (Govt. Roskill). £IO,OOO For Winner Mr. Langstone, discussing the Gaming Poll Bill, mentioned that the stakes for the Auckland Cup had been raised to £IO,OOO. “For the winner,” interjected Mr. G. F. Sim (Oppos. Waikato). "Howe won the race and did not get it,” retorted Mr. Langstone. “Has any honourable member the right to stand up in this House and utter a deliberate lie-” asked Mr. Goosman heatedly. The acting-Speaker, Mr. C. Carr (Govt. Timaru): On the other hand, the member is not justified in charging another member with uttering a deliberate lie. He must withdraw. Mr. Goosman: I will only withdraw on condition that the member for Roskill withdraws. Mr. Langstone: I have nothing to withdraw. There was only one course to follow and that was to withdraw the remark, said Mr. Carr. Mr. Goosman: With the greatest respect I must refuse. Tense Situation The tense situation brought the Speaker, Mr. R. McKeen, back to the chair while several members, including the deputy-Leader of the Opposition, Mr. K. J. Holyoake, the AttorneyGeneral Mr. H. G. R. Mason, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. W. E. Parry, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, gave their versions of what had happened. When Mr. Langstone explained that nothing was further from his mind than a reflection on Mr. Goosman, whose sportsmanship he knew, Mr. Goosman said: “I will accept that statement willingly. I regret the incident and will withdraw.”