MR. LYSNAR AND PRESS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11493, 21 November 1931, Page 4

MR. LYSNAR AND PRESS

' strong’ objection TO “TIMES” CRITICISM

NEVER GAVE T7P HIS INDEPENDENCE.

“I desire to take this opportunity of thanking the. Press for their reporting of political matters saia Mr W. D. Lvsnar, in Ins address at the City; Hall last evening, ‘and both tho local papers are to be congratulated. also tbo Wfliroa paper, for the manner in which they silt the good material from the mass or matter, so giving a clear account or what is going on in the House. z “Though, they have done this , he continued, “I cannot understand the attitude of the Times’’ in this contest. They seem to have lost their ordinary balance and I do not know why. What is said in the editorial column of a paper 1 do not mind so Jong as it is based on strict and unvarnished fact. The “Times” is not playing cricket and is pulling statements out for criticism rvithout verifying them. It is regrettable that such a reputable journal should do this.” Then Mr Lysnar made this erroneous and amazing assertion: “It seems they are controlled by one. individual, heart and soul with the Reform I’artj ahv cost to get Lysnar out.’’ voices: “Hear! Henri” “I don’t think they will succeed” continued Mr Lysnar. “If I referred to all the points of inaccuracy in the “Times’» criticism, I would ho taking half the evening, but I will take two points and let you judge as to tho truth of the remainder. In yesterday morning’s issue they criticise me for being an Independent Coalitionist and say that I was pledged to vote with Reform on any no-confidence motion. That is utterly without any foundation in fact, and never have I given up mv independence. I challenge the “'Limes” to produce one scintilla of evidence of this statement. That a local paper standing so high in all plso . « « “Don’t get down-hearted Doug”, advised a member of the audience. Mr Lysnar quoted following letter addressed by himself to the Hon. Mr Forbes;—

“I desire to place on record, so that there is no room for __ misunderstanding, the result of the interview which about thirteen, members of Parliament with myself, Lad with you and the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata last week, in connection with the Meat Export Control Bill, which is now on the Order Paper in my name. As a r«su4'- of tfiis interview you agreed, on behalf of your party, providing the Bill was brought down early next session, that you would give it facilities to be dealt with by the House, on non-party lines. I should be glad if you would kindly confirm this.”

In reply 31 r Forbes wrote as follows :

“I beg to acknowledge, receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, in connection with your recent interview with Sir Apirana K gat a and mvself in regard to the Meat Fxportf Control Bill. I have no hesitation in confirming the reply I • gave to the members of Parliament, including yourself, that I would give every facility to enable tour Bill to be' considered by the House next session. The question of consideration Being on nonparty lines is beyond my control, as there are three parties m tho House; but 1 can say, on behalf of the Government party, that all questions -before Parliament ara dealt with by us entirely on their merits, without any party considerations whatever.” Both these letters were written in November, 1929, continued Mr Lvsnar, and ho had not retired from the Reform party until October 1930. Ho denied that he had any arrangement with Mr Forbes or anv others and that there was any truth in the statement of his reasons tor leaving RJeforin. as given by the “Times.’' “If the M Times” vs of the character T take it should be”, concluded Mr Lysnar. “it will acknowledge its mistake and shut up for the time being.” . .